Extra New Year’s week patrols planned on these Midlands roads to keep drivers safe
Thousands of people are coming to the Midlands for the Famously Hot New Year, while many more will be in the area to see family and friends for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Those drivers and more in Lexington County will see an added law enforcement presence this week.
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is increasing the number of units on patrol to help maintain safe roads.
“As we end one holiday and move forward to the next, our traffic unit is out patrolling the roadways,” the sheriff’s department said on Facebook. “Deputies will be looking for reckless drivers — especially those driving drunk. Remember: there is no party worth a DUI.”
While deputies will increase their presence across the county, they will specifically keep a close eye on certain roads after receiving requests from the community.
The roads that will have additional patrols include:
▪ Augusta Highway
▪ Augusta Road
▪ Corley Mill Road
▪ Emanuel Church Road
▪ Highway 302
▪ Highway 378
▪ Longs Pond Road
▪ Old Cherokee Road
▪ Platt Springs Road
▪ South Lake Drive
In addition to Lexington County, the South Carolina Highway Patrol said it will conduct a series of public safety checkpoints throughout the state during the New Year’s holiday period.
“The holidays should be a time to enjoy family, friends, celebrations and the warmth of the season,” Col. Christopher Williamson said in a news release. “We want to ensure everyone makes it home safely this holiday season, and that is why motorists will see an increase in blue lights during the holidays as we team up with local law enforcement for increased DUI enforcement.”
Highway Patrol encourages motorists to take the following steps to ensure a safe ride home:
▪ Designate a sober driver
▪ Use public transportation, such as buses and shuttles
▪ Call a local cab or taxi service, or plan ahead for a taxi (Some local towing services also offer safe rides home and will tow the driver’s car home for a fee)
▪ Downloading and use ride-share apps such as Uber, Lyft, Sidecar, etc.
On average, 300 people die each year on South Carolina roadways as a result of impaired driving, according to the Department of Public Safety.
As of December 22, a total of 959 people died on South Carolina roads this year, the Department of Public Safety reported.
This story was originally published December 30, 2019 at 8:27 AM with the headline "Extra New Year’s week patrols planned on these Midlands roads to keep drivers safe."
