Mark Blair, Hartsville Police Department Public Information Officer
mark.blair@hartsvillesc.gov
843.383.3011
For Immediate Release — July 2, 2018
Independence Day Safety Information from the Hartsville Police Department
Hartsville SC – Independence Day is the time of year when we love to celebrate our independence with our family and friends. Good food, fireworks, and for some, alcohol, are parts of our celebration events. Too often, our festivities turn tragic on our roadways when those who decide to drink also decide to drive. Independence Day is one of the deadliest days of the year due to impaired drivers.
According to the National Highway Safety Administration over the 2016 Independence Day holiday, 188 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. This was a 28% increase from the previous year when there were 146 fatalities. Nearly half of those who died were in a vehicle crash involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher which is almost twice the legal limit.
This year, the Hartsville Police Department wants you and your family to make it home safely. If you plan on consuming alcohol this year, please make sure you have a plan in place to get home safely. If you are hosting a party, please make sure your guests have a way to get home safely. If you are on the road and witness an impaired driver, please call 911 or *HP immediately.
In addition to increased enforcement this holiday, the Hartsville Police will also be participating in “Operation Southern Shield” beginning July 15th through July 21st. This is a joint operation with Georgia, Alabama, Florida and Tennessee where all agencies will be concentrating on speeding violations, DUI, distracted driving and seatbelt violations. The Hartsville Police Department is committed to Target Zero Traffic Deaths and we will remain vigilant in keeping our citizens and guests safe year round. Please partner with us in achieving this goal.
The Hartsville Police Department is committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing the quality of life in our community. They practice community-based policing and value partnerships with citizens and neighborhood organizations. For more information, visit hartsvillesc.gov/HPD, follow @HartsvillePD on Facebook, or call 843.383.3011.
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