Troopers Out in Full Force for Labor Day

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Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — Labor Day State Troopers will be out in full force to ensure safety on the roads. Drivers will hit the South Carolina roadways to enjoy the last holiday weekend of summer. “Traffics pretty intense, it’s probably double the amount of people that‘s normally here for a Friday,” said traveler Rasheem Davis. AAA Carolina projects more than 390,000 motorists will be hitting the road in the Palmetto State, marking a 7 year high for Labor Day weekend due to low gas prices. However, Trooper David Jones says the economic benefits of paying less at the pump can create more danger on the roadways. “Whenever you see more influx in traffic, you‘re going to see more crashes as well and unfortunately some of those crashes turn fatal,” said Jones. On South Carolina roadways, the Department of Public Safety reports there‘s been more than 600 highway deaths this year. Jones says more than half of those involved drinking while driving or people who failed to wear a seatbelt. “Very seldom do we see somebody in a car that’s been killed and had a seatbelt on, it’s just something that we know if you buckle up it’s going to save your life,” said Jones. To ensure a safe holiday weekend, Jones reminds motorists to designate a driver, buckle up and plan ahead. By doing those three things, Jones says you can help save a life. If you see a drunk driver on the road, authorities ask you to call 911 or dial *HP.