CONTACT: Sgt. R.K. Hughes, 803-896-7920

JULY 4 TRAVEL IS PROJECTED TO BE DOWN;

SCDPS CAUTIONS MOTORISTS ABOUT LOCAL TRAVEL, IMPAIRED DRIVING

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reminds motorists that even though travel is projected down because of gas prices this holiday weekend, motorists should be on alert for increased enforcement and vigilant about their own driving habits since many people will be staying near local hotspots to enjoy the July 4 holiday weekend.

The official holiday travel period begins tonight at 6 p.m. and runs through Sunday at midnight. Last year, the travel period was only 30 hours and four people died on the highways during that time. The Highway Patrol says many people will begin travel today since July 4 falls on a Friday. Law enforcement have already begun increased enforcement efforts statewide.

There have been 475 people killed this year compared to 543 this time last year.

“Summer is typically when highway fatalities spike as tourist travel drives up congestion-related collisions,” said SCDPS Director Mark Keel. “This year, we are seeing a reduction in deaths. I want to emphasize, however, that people are still dying needlessly because of careless decisions behind the wheel. I don’t want this bit of good news to make motorists complacent.”

Keel reminds motorists that SCDPS law enforcement, in conjunction with local and other state agencies such as SCDNR, will still take a proactive enforcement stance this holiday weekend especially around vulnerable areas such as lakes and roadways with historically high collision numbers. Impaired driving remains the primary concern for law enforcement during this time, which can be problematic on the waterways and surrounding roadways.

Motorists should be aware that the SCDPS and local law enforcement will be conducting more enforcement activity than normal to hold those collision and fatality numbers down.

Violations that are problematic during this time include: speeding/too fast for conditions failure to yield the right of way; improper/unlawful lane change.

State Transport Police, a division of SCDPS, regulates commercial motor vehicle traffic. STP will be joining a federal initiative to focus on aggressive driving – both on the part of motorists and truck traffic. STP will place special focus on areas with a high volume of truck traffic including I-85, I-26 and I-20.

“People need to be aware that there are different challenges driving around large trucks,” said State Transport Police Major Nick Moore. “Motorists need to ensure truck drivers can see them in their mirrors and avoid abrupt lane changes. It takes much more distance for large trucks to stop.”

Highway Patrol Lt. Col. Melvin Howard reminds motorists what to expect if they are stopped for a moving violation. Law enforcement will activate their blue lights. Troopers will be in uniform, wearing their hats. Motorists should slow down, indicate their intent to stop and pull off the roadway in a safe location, out of traffic. Motorists should stay in their vehicles. The trooper or officer will approach the vehicle and ask to see their license, registration and vehicle insurance.

The Highway Patrol also encourages motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained. Vehicles often break down due to the extreme temperatures this time of year.

If motorists break down, they should stay in their vehicles, pull as far off the roadway as possible, activate their emergency lights and call *HP or their local sheriff’s office. Motorists are strongly discouraged from walking on any roadways for emergency assistance especially interstates.

Major F.K. Lancaster, who commands Highway Patrol Troops Five, Six and Seven in the lower half of the state, advises motorists to pay particular attention around arteries leading into the coastal areas.

“We do expect considerable traffic into the coastal areas as many people will spend the weekend at the beach,” Lancaster said. “Motorists should expect congestion on those routes leading into Myrtle Beach, Charleston and other tourist destinations.”

Major B.S. McDonald, who commands Highway Patrol Troops 1-4 from the Midlands to the Upstate, is expecting to see more traffic in the mountain areas around Pickens, Greenville and Anderson.

“We expect to see a lot of people spending this weekend enjoying the mountain areas as well as people visiting area lakes and camp sites,” McDonald said. “We caution people to be especially vigilant on rural roads. Be on the lookout for motorcycle traffic and reduce your speed.”