FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 19, 2006

CONTACT: L/Cpl. SCOT D. EDGEWORTH, 803-896-8144

or LT. ROBERT MCCULLOUGH, 803-734-3836 (SCDNR)

 

 

SCDPS, SCDNR AND ORANGEBURG SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT POOL RESOURCES FOR joint aerial enforcement campaign

                                                                                                                                      

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) is again teaming up with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help lower the fatality rate on state highways through an aerial enforcement campaign. This week, the agencies will focus on I-26 in Calhoun and Orangeburg counties.

 

“This section of I-26 is consistently high in crashes and injuries and we are grateful to be able to team with agencies such as DNR and the Orangeburg Sheriff’s Department to alter this dangerous situation.” said Captain C. N. Williamson, Commander of South Carolina High Patrol Troop Seven.

 

The first aerial enforcement initiative this year was in March on I-20 in Aiken County, and other initiatives are planned later this year. Interstate 26 was chosen because of repeatedly high fatality numbers especially in the period from June to September. 

 

The DNR Law Enforcement Division will use its pilot and plane, which is primarily used for search and rescue operations. A DNR officer, along with a trooper, will work from the air with a ground team of troopers and sheriff’s deputies.

 

“I-26 in Calhoun and Orangeburg counties is a dangerous stretch of road for this area.  I-26 is the number one crash corridor for Post B which is Calhoun and Orangeburg counties.  Other aggressive driving offenses increase risks and impair overall travel safety,” Captain Williamson said.

 

Aerial enforcement is especially useful in observing some of the violations that are leading to deadly collisions in this area including: speeding; changing lanes unlawfully; following too closely and reckless driving.  Speed-related crashes are the primary contributors to deadly collisions, mostly occurring on heavily traveled roadways during hours of peak traffic volume, weekends and holidays.

 

An aerial enforcement advisory sign will be posted to alert the public to the enforcement areas. The Highway Patrol will not release specific enforcement times.

 

The following areas of the state are also slated for an aerial enforcement initiative: US 17/I-95 Beaufort/Jasper; US 76/US 501/ SC 327 (Myrtle Beach Corridor); I-85 Greenville. Specific dates have not been set for these initiatives.

 

The first aerial enforcement initiative this year took place in March on I-20 in Aiken County.  The Highway Patrol made 109 cases.  Speeding was the violation in 73 percent of these cases.