The Memorial Day holiday is wrapping up, but a push for safe driving is gaining speed. From Memorial Day to Labor Day is considered the 100 deadliest days of summer. Officials want to get the word out, before you leave your holiday celebrations, keep safety tips in mind, don't drink and drive, and remember to buckle up.
Memorial Day signals the start of the 100 deadly days of summer campaign, that runs through Labor Day weekend. Troopers will focus on catching drunk drivers and those who don't buckle up. The Buckle Up South Carolina campaign runs through June 6th.
Last year, Shama Winston Ford's nine month old baby Kelly died in a car accident, while in the care of family members. They did not use the baby's car seat. Now Ford says she does whatever she can to show how important it is to wear seat belts and use car seats for children. Ford says, "One of the things that we've started since Kelly's death is a foundation called Car Seats for Kelly, to get the awareness out there to the general public about car seat safety and show parents the choice is theres. The things that they do really influence children, set the example for their children."
The Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies stepped up patrols during the long holiday weekend.
Last year, South Carolina set a record, 81.5 percent of motorists used safety belt, and the total number of fatalities fell below 900 for the first time since 1995.
There were 281 deaths from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Officials say the top three reasons for those fatalities are drinking and driving, driving too fast for conditions or speeding, and running off the roadway.
In addition to making sure you're safe, they're adding an extra incentive. If law enforcement officers stop you, and you are wearing your seat-belt, you'll get a reward, a coupon for a free chicken sandwich at Chick Fil-A.
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