South Carolina Department of Public Safety_______

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2008

CONTACTS:

SID GAULDEN, 803-600-8119

BEVERLY HARRIS, Office of Highway Safety, 803-896-9958

SCDPS Issues Call for zero traffic-related deaths on ‘put the brakes on Fatalities Day’

BLYTHEWOOD – The SC Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) is asking the public to join law enforcement officials and highway safety advocates on Friday, October 10, in observing the national “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” by making a special commitment to reducing traffic deaths to zero and eliminating risky driving behaviors.

The goal of “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day,” first held in 2001, is to inform the public about the major causes of highway fatalities – and how to avoid them. Driver error causes most traffic collisions. In South Carolina, the major contributing factors to highway collisions are:

• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failing to yield the right of way

Further, people who disobey South Carolina’s safety belt law are at risk for serious injury or death in the event of a collision because of the trauma the body experiences when not restrained by a safety belt, as outlined in the three collisions of a crash:

• Vehicle collision: Vehicle slams into another vehicle or fixed object (guard rail, tree, etc.)
• Human collision: Body slams into other occupants and/or interior of vehicle, or is thrown  out of the vehicle through one of the windows
• Internal collision: Internal body parts slam against each other and/or the body’s skeletal structure causing internal bleeding

“Many lives could be saved if drivers simply slow down, avoid driving after consuming alcohol, pay attention to road signs and signals – and buckle up,” said Mark Keel, Director of SCDPS. “Most highway collisions and deaths are avoidable, but motorists have to take responsibility for their own lives and the lives of others.”

This year, “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day,” falls on a Friday – a day that typically has a high number of traffic fatalities. To help reduce traffic deaths everyday, SCDPS continues to focus on enforcement activities and educational outreach: 

• During the anti-impaired driving campaign, Sober or Slammer! that ended on Labor Day, SCDPS reissued TV commercials that first aired as part of the popular Highways or Dieways campaign. In addition, SCDPS will distribute Highways or Dieways items to the public at the SC State Fair and run the spots for public viewing.
• Nearly 200 law enforcement agencies around the state participated in SCDPS’ Law Enforcement Challenge to reduce fatalities and collisions.  Agencies will be recognized for their achievements at a ceremony in December.
• Last month, SCDPS held a highway safety conference for law enforcement officials and highway safety advocates with the goal of seeking solutions to highway fatalities. The conference theme was “Target Zero … Because One Traffic Fatality is Too Many.”

“The work of law enforcement at the state and local levels everyday makes a difference on our roadways, but I urge the public to do its part,” Keel said. “Use ‘Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day’ to recommit yourself to safe driving practices.”

SCDPS urges motorists, pedestrians, bikers and bicyclists to obey all traffic laws and heed the following safety tips:

• Drive defensively.  Watch out for the other drivers and stay alert. 
• Buckle up and ensure passengers are as well.
• Obey posted speed limits, and slow down in construction and school zones.
• Don’t tailgate. Leave enough space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Wear a helmet and appropriate personal protective equipment if you are riding a motorcycle or bicycle. 
• Keep your vehicle in good repair. 
• If you are walking, wear brightly colored clothing to increase your visibility and always cross at crosswalks.

For more information on “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day,” visit the website www.brakesonfatalities.org.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, Office of Highway Safety, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services and Office of Justice Programs. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.

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