Office of the Governor
500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-3212
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, Nov. 23, 2009
CONTACT: Joe Kafka, 605-773-3212 or Terry Woster, Dept.of Public Safety, 605-773-3178
Gov. Rounds Asks Thanksgiving Holiday Drivers to Make Safety a Priority
Pierre, S.D. – Gov. Mike Rounds is asking South Dakotans to pay special attention to their driving as they travel during the busy Thanksgiving holiday period.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday season, but it’s essential that safe driving be part of your preparations,” Gov. Rounds said. “It’s more important to get to Thanksgiving dinner safely than quickly. The holiday is a wonderful opportunity for families to gather, and I urge all drivers to be extra careful because of the increased traffic on state roads during the holiday period.”
Gov. Rounds offers travelers the following safety tips:
- Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the risk of being involved in a crash. Please abide by posted speed limits.
- More than 70% of South Dakotans buckle up. You should too!
- Drinking and driving is against the law. If you’re going to drink alcohol, find a sober driver.
- If traveling in winter weather conditions, take a winter survival kit and let friends and family know your travel schedule and route.
Five people lost their lives in traffic last year during the Thanksgiving holiday period in South Dakota. Alcohol was a factor in half of those fatal crashes. Eighty-one other motorists were injured during the 6 p.m.Wednesday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday holiday period last year.
So far this year, 104people have died on South Dakota roads – compared to 101 a year ago on this date.
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