The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is urging motorists to expect heavy traffic and rain-soaked roadways as they head out for Thanksgiving.
Troopers have already begun to see minor collisions causing traffic delays on some interstates. Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the most heavily traveled holiday periods of the year.
AAA Carolinas is predicting heavy travel due to falling gas prices, which are the lowest in five years. The official travel period will be 102 hours, kicking off at 6 p.m. tonight and continuing until Sunday at midnight. There were five highway deaths last year and 10 in 2012 during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period.
The Highway Patrol and State Transport Police are holding safety events at rest areas and welcome centers around the state today. Troopers and officers will be talking with motorists about the importance of taking frequent rest breaks on long trips, avoiding distraction and driving defensively/staying alert. http://www.scdps.gov/comm/nr2014/112514.html
“The rain and anticipated heavy travel are factors that everyone needs to consider in their travel plans today,” said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith. “We urge you to build in extra time and patience, especially when traveling on interstates.”
Traffic fatalities and collisions have been consistently lower so far this year, but going into the Thanksgiving holiday, the number of highway deaths has moved slightly ahead of this time last year. SCDPS reported a preliminary number of 711 highway fatalities statewide going into the long holiday travel period compared to 708 last year.
The two heaviest travel days will be today and Sunday. All Highway Patrol personnel, including troopers in administrative and support roles, will be patrolling roads during the heavy travel periods. Local traffic is also expected to be heavy the Friday after Thanksgiving — the year’s biggest shopping holiday.
“Our troopers are already reporting heavier traffic and problems caused by tailgating and slick roadways,” said Col. Mike Oliver, SCHP commander. “This is why we urge motorists to reduce their speed, prepare to stop quickly and leave a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.”
Troopers report that some of the primary violations they will be enforcing include: safety belts/child restraint violations, speed, impaired and aggressive driving.
The State Transport Police is asking motorists to avoid driving in the blind spots of large trucks and to be aware that it will take more distance for heavy trucks to stop, especially in rainy weather.
Motorists are asked to report suspected drunk drivers to local law enforcement or call *HP (*47). SCDPS also urges motorists to move over for emergency vehicles and first responders to give them space to work safely.
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