Travel throughout the state is expected to rise as a result of stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19.
In an effort to keep drivers safe, especially younger drivers, The Spartanburg Police Department encourages all citizen drivers to be mindful of the dangers associated with summer travel.
In a news release, SPD cited statistics from the SC Dept. of Public Safety, in 2019 there were 266 traffic fatalities in South Carolina during the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.... referred to by Law Enforcement as the "100 Deadly Days of Summer." 16 of those deaths occurred in Spartanburg County alone.
The Federal Communications Commission reports an estimated 660,000 Americans use cell phones while driving, approximately 9 lives are lost each day in the U.S. due to distracted driving.
Some safety tips to keep in mind according to Safety.com:
Buckle up
Put down the cell phone
Use the left lane for passing
Get up to speed on the acceleration ramp
Carefully get out of your vehicle after an accident
Don't drive too closely
Watch your speed
Let it go - road rage is real
Be considerate of tractor trailer drivers
Drive defensively
Take breaks
Drive according to weather conditions
Do NOT drive under the influence of alcohol
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