Safe driving urged during Labor Day weekend

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Mike Rounds is asking motorists to use extra caution on South Dakota highways during the Labor Day travel weekend.

Four people were killed and 92 others were injured on South Dakota roads during the last two Labor Day weekends. Half of the fatalities were alcohol-related.

“If motorists would just remember to designate a sober driver, to use seatbelts on every trip and pay attention to speed limits and road conditions, we could make our highways much safer for holiday travel,’ the Governor said.

For the past several years, the number of highway fatalities on South Dakota roads has declined.

However, the number of people killed in highway crashes so far this year is ahead of last year, according to the State Office of Accident Records.

Through the end of August, 95 people had died in crashes on South Dakota roads. That compares with 93 fatalities for the same period in 2009.

That deadly trend can be reversed only if everyone does their part, Gov. Rounds said.

“Most crashes are entirely preventable,’’ the Governor said. “Please enjoy the holiday weekend, but take personal responsibility for your safety and your family’s safety – not only this holiday weekend but every time you travel.’’

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