Officials say stay safe while driving, enjoying fireworks

Pee Dee law enforcement officers are warning travelers and those who might be staying close to home for Independence Day to be extremely careful while driving and engaging in other celebratory activities.

Because July 4 falls on a Friday, S.C. Highway Patrol troopers are expecting traffic on local roadways to become heavier today, according to a press release from the S.C. Department of Public Safety.

The official July 4 travel period begins at 6 p.m. today and ends July 6 at midnight.

Last year, four people were killed on state roads during that time.

Troopers have been increasing their patrol efforts as much as a week before the holiday in several areas of the state, including Troop Five, which includes Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg counties, according to the release.

“Our coastal areas and roadways leading into those areas are of special concern to us ...” Troop Five Commander Capt. Melvin Warren said. “People may decide to stay closer to home because of high fuel prices and head to the beach, which raises concerns for collisions resulting from congestion and impaired driving.”

Troopers in marked and unmarked vehicles are saturating high-fatality and/or -crash roadways such as Interstates 95 and 20 to deter motorists from speeding and making risky driving choices.

Many law enforcement agencies are planning public safety traffic checkpoints to look for those who may be driving under the influence, as well.

Darlington Police Capt. Danny Watson said driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most dangerous things one can do during the holiday.

“The fact is, it’s going to be very hot outside and people are going to be drinking beer ... people have the tendency to get overheated and drink more than they intend to,” Watson said. “We want to get the message out there that if you’re going to drink, please get someone else to drive.”

Another safety concern for law enforcement officers is fireworks, Watson said.

“Thousands of people are injured every year by Fourth of July fireworks,” he said. “It’ll be a shame to spend your entire weekend in the emergency room when you could have just abided by a few safety rules.”

Police are urging residents only to buy fireworks from authorized dealers and never try to set off any fireworks that have been altered, Watson said.

For more details about Fourth of July safety, visit http://www.schp.org/cro_videos.html.