PIERRE -- State troopers issued 278 citations and 544 warnings for speeding, made 11 driving under the influence arrests and 27 drug arrests, and addressed 100 seat-belt violations Friday.
The statewide enforcement saturation operation kicked off the Highway Patrol's "100 Days of Heat" safe driving campaign.
More than half of South Dakota's traffic fatalities happen during the summer months. Each year, the days with the highest travel and car accident numbers are the holidays -- Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.
Troopers around the state were out in force on all interstate and state highways Friday, the start of the Memorial Day weekend. During Friday's campaign, there were no fatalities and only three injury and six non-injury accidents. "Our mantra remains the same: Use your seat belt. Don't drink and drive. Follow the speed limit," said Col. Craig Price, superintendent of the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
"If you obey those rules, everyone will have a safe and enjoyable summer."
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For more information on the 100 Days of Heat campaign, visit 100daysofheat.com.
