Troopers Out in Force Labor Day Weekend

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO/SCDPS) — Motorists, brace yourselves. The South Carolina Highway Patrol and State Transport Police will be watching and will have a larger number of officers than normal on the highways as the ‘100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. campaign draws to a close. Troopers will place a special emphasis on interstate travel beginning Friday as motorists enjoy one last summer holiday. The State Transport Police will focus on commercial motor vehicle safety and compliance. Last year, seven people died over the 102-hour Labor Day weekend. SCDPS Director Leroy Smith said, “South Carolina has had 33 fewer fatalities this summer than last. We want to thank the public for heeding our safety messages and encourage their continued participation through *HP and practicing safe driving habits themselves. Law enforcement can‘t do it alone. It is everyone‘s job to keep our roadways safe.” As of August 29, there have been 523 fatalities this year compared to 542 last year. “We want travelers to be aware that we will saturate congested areas of interstates with enforcement to prevent any further summer tragedies,” SCHP Col. Mike Oliver said. “I will be out there, along with my command staff and troopers who are normally assigned to administrative office duties. Our goal is for motorists to see us and adjust their driving behavior accordingly.” Oliver said troopers will especially be focusing on problem violations this time of year, which include speed, DUI, and safety belt. He urged motorists to heed the current “Call *HP Campaign” this weekend especially if they suspect an impaired driver. SCDPS will be using a variety of enforcement vehicles from motorcycles, to some of the newer vehicles in the fleet including Dodge Chargers and Tahoes. STP Colonel Leroy Taylor said his officers encourage motorists to remember that large trucks need a greater stopping distance and vehicles should be aware of CMV‘s blind spots. “It is vital that motorists and large trucks share the road especially during heavy travel periods such as Labor Day,” Taylor said. SCDPS has had a strong campaign and enforcement push in the past several weeks. The Hands Across the Border effort wrapped up today and the Sober or Slammer! Campaign will be in effect through September 4.