FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 22, 2006

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8409

 

STATEWIDE HIGHWAY SAFETY INITIATIVE TO EMPHASIZE COMBINED LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS

 

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) is enacting a statewide initiative beginning in December that will emphasize multi-jurisdictional highway safety efforts and focus on DUI and safety belt violations.

 

The initiative, to run through September 2007, is expected to involve local law enforcement agencies throughout the state working more closely together to reduce highway fatalities.

 

In addition, local law enforcement agencies participating in the initiative will have the opportunity to win one of six 2007 Dodge Chargers. The cars, equipped with law enforcement amenities, will be awarded to agencies that qualify to win based on participation in the South Carolina Law Enforcement Network (SCLEN) and the statewide traffic enforcement campaigns that will take place during the initiative period.

 

“This is a great opportunity for local agencies to possibly win a police car outfitted with equipment to help with enforcement efforts,” said Max Young, Director of SCDPS’ Office of Highway Safety. “But the ultimate goal, of course, is to save lives.”

 

As agencies engage in multi-jurisdictional activities during the coming months, Young said motorists will see that law enforcement across South Carolina is united in the mission of reducing traffic fatalities. The highway safety campaigns run from December 15, 2006 to September 3, 2007 and will focus primarily on DUI as part of the state’s sustained impaired driving campaign called “Sober or Slammer.” Safety belt usage, speeding and motorcycle safety also will be addressed.

 

SCDPS also wants to encourage more of the state’s about 260 local agencies to become active in the SCLEN. Officials hope the chance to win an equipped police car will encourage agencies to get involved and see the other advantages of joining the SCLEN.

 

“The benefits of being part of the SCLEN are numerous,” Young said. “But perhaps the biggest benefit is the added support from other agencies in addressing traffic problems, which in turn helps prevent traffic deaths and injuries.”

 

Regardless of size, each local law enforcement agency in the state has an equal chance of winning one of the six 2007 Dodge Chargers.  SCDPS will hold briefings throughout the state to give law enforcement information on how agencies can qualify to win a car.

 

Unless otherwise stated, all the meetings are from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

 

·        North Augusta: Nov. 27, North Augusta Fire Station, 501 West Five Notch Road

·        Columbia: Nov. 27, SC Criminal Justice Academy; 5400 Broad River Road, Rm. 129

·        Florence: Nov. 28, Florence Police Department, 265 McIver Road

·        Spartanburg: Nov. 29, Spartanburg Sheriff’s Office, 8045 Howard St.

·        Walterboro: Nov. 29, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Western Sizzlin’-Longhorn Restaurant, Highway 63 at Exit 53 off I-95

·        Hanahan: Nov. 30, Hanahan (Tri-County) F.O.P. Lodge, 5817 Campbell St.

·        Rock Hill: Nov. 30, Winthrop University Police Department, 526 Myrtle Drive

 

The media is welcome to attend the briefings.