PIERRE, S.D. – Deaths from traffic crashes in South Dakota are up nearly 15 percent from this time last year. That’s why as Labor Day weekend nears, the South Dakota Highway Patrol (SDHP) will be working alongside law enforcement agencies in Operation CARE (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) to decrease traffic crash fatalities.
From September 1st to 4th, law enforcement statewide will unite in a high-visibility enforcement effort aimed at reducing serious injuries and fatalities on our state’s roadways. In dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their communities, you’ll see officers working together this holiday weekend reminding motorists to drive safe.
“The goal of this effort is to bring attention to safe driving practices, to put a stop to the current trend of fatalities and work together to protect all roadway users. In 2023, 90 individuals have already lost their lives to motor vehicle crashes, 40 in the last eight weeks alone. That is unacceptable,” said SD Highway Patrol Superintendent, Colonel Rick Miller. “Those individuals are people’s loved ones that won’t be going home to their families.”
The SDHP reminds drivers and passengers to wear a seat belt, pay attention, drive the speed limit, and never drive impaired.
