Safe travel encouraged over holiday weekend

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety is reminding people to drive safely during this 4th of July holiday weekend.  

State Highway Patrol troopers will be patrolling the highways and interstates this weekend due to the expected heavier holiday traffic. The Patrol is taking part in a Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort (CARE), designed to encourage motorists to be safe drivers.

Col. Rick Miller of the South Dakota Highway Patrol said that troopers will be out this weekend reminding drivers to slow down, pay attention, don’t drink and drive, and to wear their seat belt, or helmet if riding a motorcycle.  

  The Office of Highway Safety reported 134 motor vehicle traffic crashes with two fatalities and 36 injuries during the 2021 Fourth of July holiday reporting period. Both fatalities were motor vehicle occupants who were not wearing seat belts. So far this year, the number of South Dakota fatalities is 37-percent lower than the same time last year.

July 1, 2022