DARLINGTON, SC (WBTW) – Police officers Nation and State wide are seeing an increase in car accidents. Already this year our state has had more than 900 car accidents.
The City of Darlington Police notices an increase in collisions over the past three months. The City averages about 20 collisions each month—but over the past three months that number is up to more than 30 accidents.
December already has 14 accidents, Lt. Michael Cook says with heavy Christmas traffic about week away they anticipate a higher number of accidents this month.
Many of the accidents are caused by distracted driving or rushing from place to place.
Lt. Michael Cook, Darlington Police Lieutenant of Patrol and Traffic division said, “There are a lot of things that distract us. If we could just cut back on that and manage our time better to get to our destinations safely. That’s our goal.”
Officers hope to change driver behavior, by cracking down on traffic violations this holiday season.
Four officers will increase presence on the roads to crackdown on traffic violations and especially DUIs.
Lt. Cook explains, “There is nothing wrong with going out and partying and having a good time but do it responsibly. Do it at home. Have a designated driver that can take care of the driving responsibilities.”
Officers will practice Saturation Patrols, where multiple officers will patrol problems areas through the holidays and the end of the year.
