Be Safe

[ZooFuzz]

This message is for both the public and the many friends in Law Enforcement. Please be safe this holiday season, be safe in your travels and return safe. ZooFuzz


Troopers blanketing state

Drunks, speeders, aggressive drivers targeted over holiday

State troopers will be out in force Thanksgiving week, looking to deter motorists from drinking and driving, speeding and driving aggressively.
Last year, 10 people were killed on state highways during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs from 6 p.m. today to Sunday at midnight.
Nine people were killed in 2006 during the Thanksgiving holiday period and 10 in 2005.
“We will have checkpoints in designated areas around the state and in Richland and Lexington counties,” S.C. Highway Patrol spokesman Lance Cpl. Josef Robinson said.
The S.C. chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving also is getting involved by handing out red ribbons to motorists as part of its “Tie-One-on for Safety” campaign.
“We want people to tie them on their cars to show that they’re not gonna drink or drive and send a message to others to not drink and drive,” spokeswoman Juliet Nader Smith said.
Robinson reminded people to plan their trip, informing family members of their route and expected arrival time.
He urged people to take a rest break after each two hours of driving whether or not they feel tired. If people see impaired or aggressive drivers they can call *HP. “We’ll take the information and we’ll try to get a trooper out there to that area.”
Officials are urging people to be prepared, by making sure their mobile phones are charged, their vehicles have been checked out for needed repairs, they have food, first-aid kits and warm clothing.
Troopers will be at rest areas handing out safety information.


COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - So far this year, 804 people have been killed on South Carolina roads and the Department of Public Safety says 385 of them were not wearing seatbelts.
During the holidays, there are more accidents.
So what can you do to avoid a wreck? Here are a few tips:

Avoid the "fast lane," you have more escape routes
Scan the area ahead, not just the car in front of you.
Beware of blind spots.
Judge a driver by his/her car's condition.
Keep your car in good shape.But what if you are in an accident, and have a child with you?
Anne Stone is an Occupant Protection Trainer with DHEC. When it comes to using child safety seats she says every detail is important, like making sure it sits at the right angle.
"You want to make sure the seat is reclined properly, particularly for a newborn, so that the child's head doesn't roll," Stone said.
And if you're using a seatbelt to secure the seat, Stone says it's important to read the owner's manual for the car and the car seat itself.
You need to check those harnesses as well.
"Make sure the harness is as snug as possible to make sure that the child does not slip out of the car seat," Stone said.
Picking the best position is also important.
"The safest seat in the vehicle is the center seating position because it's the farthest away from any point of impact," Stone said.
WIS News 10's Judi Gatson took part in a live demonstration of a simulated accident where she was stuck inside the car. It took rescue workers almost nine minutes to free her from the wreckage of the car. The responders on scene said the time to get a victim out of a car varies.
Rescue workers say among the first things they do when they arrive at the scene is get a medic to determine how many people are in the vehicle and what condition they are in.
When it is determined that tools are needed to free the victim, the medic will try to calm that person down by averting their attention away from the noises that the tools generate. In Judi's case, the medic told her to think of the noise as if it were a motorcycle.
"We often try to use things that people can relate to. Most people have no idea what the tools are that we're using, so we have to find something they can relate to as far as the noise goes to help calm them down," the medic said.
Medics also ask victims several questions in order to gauge how alert the victims are.
"Just because you're answering questions back doesn't mean you're coherent, so we have to ask you things that are common, like what day it is or if it's day or if it's night," the medic said.
It's important to know that none of these tips are a failsafe way to avoid an accident. The most important thing to realize is that you have control of your vehicle and no one else's.

[BTDT]

New Year's Eve Checkpoints
Aiken (WLTX) -- Officers with the Aiken Department of Public Safety say they plan to conduct a number of DUI patrols on New Year's Eve in hopes that it will prevent citizens from drinking and driving.
According to a Tuesday news release, drivers in the City of Aiken can expect to see law enforcement agents throughout the town checking motorist sobriety.
"It is our desire to continue to improve the quality of life for our citizens and visitors in the City of Aiken by reducing alcohol related collisions and traffic fatalities through dedicated enforcement, traffic safety education, and DUI prevention efforts," said Sgt. Jake Mahoney in the news release.
Officers say the plan to establish checkpoints on Whiskey Road, Richland Avenue and Pinelog Road, and many secondary roads throughout the city.

Just FYI, this bit of info has been included in the state plan.





http://www.wltx.com/assetpool/images/081230114301_checkpointweb.jpg

[ZooFuzz]

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Highway Patrol announced today a new statewide team of 31 troopers that will be exclusively dedicated to fighting the crime of impaired driving. The team will begin work this weekend, saturating area roadways over the July 4 holiday, monitoring DUI hotspots and putting impaired drivers behind bars.

South Carolina consistently leads the nation in deaths caused by people getting behind the wheel drunk. We need a sustained enforcement plan to combat DUI. This newly formed team is not a temporary fix but a focused, long-term plan.”<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/ /><o:p></o:p>
“Drunk driving has plagued this state for years,” said Highway Patrol Colonel Kenny Lancaster Jr. “<st1:place w:st=<st1:State w:st=" /><o:p></o:p>
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Nearly half of all highway deaths each year in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/ /><st1:place w:st=<st1:City w:st=" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">South Carolina</st1:State></st1:place> are attributable to DUI. That’s compared to about 32 percent nationwide. While alcohol-related deaths fell around the nation last year, they rose in <st1:State w:st="on">South Carolina</st1:State> with the state ranking behind only <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Montana</st1:State></st1:place> for the highest number of DUI fatalities. <o:p></o:p>
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While highway deaths have increased so have DUI arrests by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. In 2006, the Patrol made 8,650 arrests. That number jumped to 9,625 the next year and to 11,348 in 2008.<o:p></o:p>
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The DUI team has one mission: to reduce highway collisions and fatalities caused by impaired driving. The team will place its full attention and enforcement resources on this single safety issue – a technique that worked well in encouraging more motorists to buckle up after the primary safety belt law passed in 2005. A number of special enforcement efforts were aimed at getting people to observe the new law. <o:p></o:p>
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This highly trained unit of troopers will fan out across the state. Every Troop will reap the benefits of the teams, especially in their DUI trouble spots. The number of troopers working in any one Troop will vary based on need. Sometimes the team will work alone and sometimes with other troopers or law enforcement on special saturation patrols, at checkpoints and other enforcement efforts. <o:p></o:p>
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The members of the team were chosen based on their ability and track record to apprehend and successfully prosecute DUI offenders. <o:p></o:p>
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Mark Keel, director of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, emphasized that impaired driving isn’t limited to driving under the influence of alcohol and that this team will focus on all forms of impaired driving.<o:p></o:p>
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“Many people are of the impression that they can only be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, but this problem extends beyond that. The law in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">South Carolina</st1:State></st1:place> says that a person can be arrested for driving under the influence of other substances -- such as narcotics or drugs -- which appreciably impair their ability to operate a motor vehicle,” Keel said. “This is a serious problem that requires a team of highly trained and qualified law enforcement officers to make a difference.”<o:p></o:p>
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The team kicks off at a time when the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, the parent agency of the Highway Patrol, has launched a multimedia public information blitz to educate the public about drinking and driving. <o:p></o:p>
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Pictures of victims and public service announcements will inundate the air waves, movie theaters and billboards in the coming weeks. Additionally, the Highway Patrol and local law enforcement will distribute citation holders at traffic stops with the faces of real <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">South Carolina</st1:State></st1:place> victims of this crime. <o:p></o:p>
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Last year, seven people were killed during the July 4 holiday, which ran from Friday to Sunday. This year, the official July 4 period will run from Thursday at 6 p.m. until Sunday at midnight. Since Memorial Day weekend, 100 people had already died on <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">South Carolina</st1:State></st1:place> highways as of June 29. Last year, a total of 241 people were killed from Memorial Day to Labor Day. <o:p></o:p>
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The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">South Carolina</st1:State></st1:place> Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, Office of Highway Safety, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services and Office of Justice Programs. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">South Carolina</st1:State></st1:place> and its visitors.
<o:p>http://www.scnow.com/scp/news/local/pee_dee/article/patrol_announces_this_week_new_dui_team/60776/</o:p>
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<o:p>http://www.luckywarrior.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/south_carolina_highway_patrol_viper_interceptor.jp g r

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[ZooFuzz]

Police officer charged in deadly 'dash cam' crash (http://www.wistv.com/global/category.asp?c=151146&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=3851&topVideoCatNoB=67010&topVideoCatNoC=125643&topVideoCatNoD=87934&topVideoCatNoE=138849&clipId=4311841&flvUri=&partnerclipid=&topVideoCatNo=0&autoStart=true&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv)

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http://wistv.images.worldnow.com/images/static/gfx/pxl_trans.gif (http://www.wistv.com/global/category.asp?c=151146&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=3851&topVideoCatNoB=67010&topVideoCatNoC=125643&topVideoCatNoD=87934&topVideoCatNoE=138849&clipId=4311841&flvUri=&partnerclipid=&topVideoCatNo=0&autoStart=true&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv)<o:p></o:p>

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<o:p>(Quoted from another Officer, name not given) </o:p>
<o:p>Please take a moment to watch this news report. It doesn’t matter what kind of call your are going to, that speed, especially in an urban environment (such as ours), will also result in you being charged, arrested, tried and possibly sentenced for manslaughter as well. <o:p></o:p>
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We spend hours upon hours practicing gun safety but the most deadly weapon you have is the vehicle that we issue to you.

LEO's need to ALWAYS be aware of their surroundings when responding to a call.
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[ZooFuzz]

http://www.wyff4.com/news/21811981/detail.html

100-MPH Crash Into Truck Kills Driver

http://www.wyff4.com/slideshow/news/21867303/detail.html

Lance Cpl. Kathy Hiles said a car collided with a tractor-trailer at 8:26 a.m. on Interstate 85 at mile marker 19, near the Clemson exit.




Sheriff: Eating While Driving Blamed In Fatal Wreck
http://www.wyff4.com/news/21828584/detail.html

CUMMING, Ga. -- Investigators said a 48-year-old woman who was died in a crash may have lost control of the car because she was eating.


Please be careful this holiday season. Z

[swampfox]

When we were driving on 378 to Conway this weekend there were many places where the speed limit had been reduced to 45 mph, mostly due to road construction. But very often the signs were there where the road was apparently finished, and it being the weekend and the water being high there was no construction going on.

So my question, if there is a reduced speed sign for road construction and nobody is working AND the road is not obstructed (like with temporary lanes and such) is the lowered speed limit still enforced?

[BAD HaBiT]

Yes it is enforced.
Ive seen LEO's sitting just to take advantage of the double fines.
Take Hwy 6 through the Red Bank Area for example. They got the 4 lanes completed from Walmart to Nazereth Church Road finished, and the Troopers have been working it like crazy. They no doubt have met their quota.

On the other hand that Stretch of 378 from Lake City towards Conway is going to be nice when they get it finished.

[swampfox]

It will be nice. If they get rid of the 45 mph signs. Otherwise the whole purpose of the upgrade will be diminished.

When we were going through Turbeville (former speed trap capital of SC) there were cops parked by the road just on the edge of town. I had the feeling they were a little down in the dumps since the speed limit through town was raised from 25 to 35. But they're ready to get people who don't wait for the speed limit signs to tell them when they can speed up.

If 378 is going to be a major way to go to the beach they're going to have to build a Turbeville bypass. Oh what a happy day.

[ZooFuzz]

Yes it is enforced.
Ive seen LEO's sitting just to take advantage of the double fines.
Take Hwy 6 through the Red Bank Area for example. They got the 4 lanes completed from Walmart to Nazereth Church Road finished, and the Troopers have been working it like crazy. They no doubt have met their quota.

On the other hand that Stretch of 378 from Lake City towards Conway is going to be nice when they get it finished.

Just FYI, they don't have quota's ( it was called "activity" smd they don't have that anymore either) anymore and also they have special teams that do nothing but work construction zones. Mostly it's just baby Troopers trying to impress the supervisors.

[ZooFuzz]

Charges Pending in Fatal Accident
http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?...=81571&catid=2 (http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=81571&catid=2)

Lexington County, SC (WLTX) - The Lexington County Sheriff's Department is investigating a car crash involving several vehicles early Sunday morning.
Deputies say the accident happened around 3:50 a.m. on I-77 near Cayce. Several vehicles were involved, including a South Carolina Highway Patrol car. SC Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Tammy Koon was parked off the highway behind a disabled Honda Accord station wagon driven by Walter Moultrie.
Troopers say Kevin T. Butler, 36, had parked his tow truck off the highway. Butler was preparing to load the Honda onto the tow truck bed when the chain-reaction collision occured. An SUV hit the Highway Patrol cruiser, forcing the station wagon into the tow truck. The tow struck then hit and killed Butler. The three other drivers, and a passenger in the Honda, were injured.
Moultrie was listed in serious condition Sunday night.
Deputies say the driver who caused the accident, 38-year-old Frank E. Milton, Jr., was severely injured and taken to Lexington Medical Center. Criminal charges, including driving under the influence, are pending against Milton.

Fatal wreck ties up traffic

Man faces felony DUI charge in accident on I-77 near Cayce

http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1059402.html



Tow truck driver's wife recalls a man with humor, love for all
http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11637136

Kevin Butler was the lone fatality in the incident. He was the tow truck driver.
His wife, Veonna, now mourns his memory with their two children.
"With Meredith she has his sensibility and Miranda has his wit. He was quick witted and humorous and she's just like her daddy," said Veonna.



Please keep Kevin's family and SCHP LCPL. Tammy Koon in your prayers. ZF

[BAD HaBiT]

Just FYI, they don't have quota's ( it was called "activity" smd they don't have that anymore either) anymore and also they have special teams that do nothing but work construction zones. Mostly it's just baby Troopers trying to impress the supervisors.

With all due respect Fuzz I call BS!

Quota's are real and a big part of revenue for smaller towns.
Having family in LE I know better.
Its not something LEO's will admit to due to its political hand.
Its one of them hush hush things amongst LEO's.
Funny thing is , its really no secret anymore.

http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/21/2106.asp
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/12/1216.asp
http://www.live5news.com/Global/story.asp?S=11426265
http://airbornecombatengineer.typepad.com/decaturdekalb/2007/11/dekalb-county-t.html

[Captain Worley]

Yeah, for years we heard, "No quotas," and now its, "No quotas, anymore."

I don't buy it.

It is the easiest way to look at job performance, and I've learned that people usually take the easiest way. it is human nature.

[ZooFuzz]

With all due respect Fuzz I call BS!

Quota's are real and a big part of revenue for smaller towns.
Having family in LE I know better.
Its not something LEO's will admit to due to its political hand.
Its one of them hush hush things amongst LEO's.
Funny thing is , its really no secret anymore.




This was my point, they don't call it "Quota", it's called "Activity" at HP. What they it elsewhere I don't know.

[JDidGirl]

Call it what you want, but let's face it... if a deputy is on patrol for 12 hours and writes almost no tickets then it probably means they are not performing their job duties correctly or at all. If a deputy is patrolling the streets (a traffic unit, that is) chances are there are always going to be poeple speeding, failing to use their signals, driving carelessly, etc... there are plenty of opportunities for an officer - if they are doing their jobs and not just sitting someplace - to write tickets. What's the big deal about quotas? To me it just means an officer is doing their job.

[BAD HaBiT]

What's the big deal about quotas? To me it just means an officer is doing their job.

I'm with you on that 100%

Really wasnt a big deal. As I stated in my original comment.
That the lowered Speed limit zone thru Red Bank on HWY 6 has had alot of LEO activity and they no doubt have met their quota.
Never implied it was a good or bad thing.

I was then told Quotas or activity arent around anymore. In which I responded back otherwise.

[JDidGirl]

I'm with you on that 100%

Really wasnt a big deal. As I stated in my original comment.
That the lowered Speed limit zone thru Red Bank on HWY 6 has had alot of LEO activity and they no doubt have met their quota.
Never implied it was a good or bad thing.

I was then told Quotas or activity arent around anymore. In which I responded back otherwise.

Oh, I know. I didn't mean for it to sound like I thought otherwise. It's hard to tell tone in an email or in writings so I apologize if it sounded that way. I was just making a comment as well.

I think what we all need to remember is that over all law enforcement is just out there trying to keep us all safe. If they make one person slow down... that may be one life (or many) that may be saved. I applaud them for the job they do.

[BAD HaBiT]

Oh, I know. I didn't mean for it to sound like I thought otherwise. It's hard to tell tone in an email or in writings so I apologize if it sounded that way. I was just making a comment as well.

I think what we all need to remember is that over all law enforcement is just out there trying to keep us all safe. If they make one person slow down... that may be one life (or many) that may be saved. I applaud them for the job they do.

No offence taken.:-) Certianly no appology needed.
Im just bored and posting...LOL.
The weather has made my day at work rather dull.
Besides how else am I going to get my post count up.;-)

[ZooFuzz]

Most states are telling their Troopers to give warnings more than tickets, but if you are really screwing up, then usually you WILL got an invitation to traffic court.

[BAD HaBiT]

Most states are telling their Troopers to give warnings more than tickets, but if you are really screwing up, then usually you WILL got an invitation to traffic court.
I cant tell you how many times Ive gotten a warning for being honest , polite, and comical.


On the comical side I passed an unmarked officer while doing 80 in a 70 while on the phone. He said to me when he came up to the window "you know you passed me back there" to which i replied " I do now , and that was pretty ignorant of me" The officer about lost it laughing.

[ZooFuzz]

I passed a Cayce unit one morning running late for work and he pop the siren and waggle his finger at me to slow down. I looked down and was not quite 10 over the limit. BElieve me I slowed.

[RocDocsWife]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2mf8DtWWd8&feature=player_profilepage

PLEASE be safe not only on New Year's Eve but everyday!!!!

[ZooFuzz]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2mf8DtWWd8&feature=player_profilepage

PLEASE be safe not only on New Year's Eve but everyday!!!!



A very sobering video, everyone should see it.