The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reminds motorists that troopers have already begun increasing enforcement surrounding the July 4 holiday travel period. The official travel period begins at 6 p.m. tonight and runs through midnight on Tuesday – a 102-hour period. Last year, 17 people died on South Carolina roads during the 78-hour travel period.
The official travel period begins at 6 p.m. tonight and runs through midnight on Tuesday – a 102-hour period. Last year, 17 people died on South Carolina roads during the 78-hour travel period.
With the holiday falling on Tuesday, troopers anticipate people taking a long holiday beginning this weekend. The Highway Patrol held increased enforcement as part of its STOP aggressive driving effort on Wednesday and Thursday, stretching from Columbia to Charleston on I-26. The department will conduct another enforcement wave on July 5 and 6, focusing again on reducing deaths and collisions on the busy I-26 corridor.
Troopers are also increasing enforcement on roadways throughout the state to help hold down collisions and fatalities.
AAA Carolinas is predicting historic travel volumes, which means motorists should expect certain arteries to be congested and practice patience and extra caution, expecting stop-and-go traffic.
“Summer is meant to be a time of relaxation and fun. We are reminding motorists to play it safe as they celebrate,” said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith. “If alcohol is part of your celebrations, please plan ahead and designate a driver to protect you and others on our roads.”
As of June 30, 483 people have been killed on South Carolina highways compared to 486 people last year.
Troopers remind motorists to MOVE OVER for law enforcement and other emergency responders helping motorists on the roadways.
The Highway Patrol also encourages motorists to keep these safety tips in mind when traveling:
• Check your vehicle’s fluids and tires before traveling. The high temperatures can cause blow-outs on tires without much tread;
• If you break down OR have a minor collision, pull as far off the roadway as possible, activate emergency flashers and call *HP (*47);
• Get real-time traffic information at http://www.scdps.gov/schp/and SCDOT traffic information at: http://www.511sc.org/
• Move Over for emergency workers and vehicles.
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