SC troopers increasing patrols in Richland County as road deaths rise
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is upping its presence in Richland and Saluda counties Saturday to combat a rise in fatal wrecks and major speeding.
“Our goal is to reduce those crashes and slow drivers down,” Trooper David Jones said.
The patrol is bringing its Area Coordinated Enforcement initiative to the counties. During the initiative, troopers from across the Midlands will concentrate in Richland and Saluda counties. Drivers may notice more highway patrol cars and motorcycles on roads.
Richland County has suffered 47 fatal crashes compared to 36 at the same time last year, according to Jones. Saluda has had six compared to five.
One of the main factors in the increase in fatal collisions is speed, Jones said. Drivers speeding more than 25 miles per hour are an increasing problem.
“We want to achieve a goal of zero fatalities but (that) starts with the drivers doing the right thing. Slow down, limit distractions and buckle up. If we can all do that, we would see a change in our collisions,” Jones said.