The S.C. Department of Public Safety, in conjunction with a number of other state agencies, has activated its emergency response plan and moved additional personnel and resources to areas of the state that are being affected by hazardous weather. The Highway Patrol is warning motorists that traffic conditions are changing by the hour.
“Road conditions are different all over the state at this time,” said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith. “We are working closely with SC Emergency Management officials and other state and local agencies to issue advisories to the public and to respond to calls for service as quickly as possible.”
During winter weather emergencies, SCDPS follows the lead of the State Emergency Management Division in activating its emergency plan and will work closely with other state agencies including the SC Department of Transportation, State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and others, sharing resources such as four-wheel drive vehicles and personnel.
“We have been fortunate that throughout the day today, the roads have mostly been wet and motorists have adjusted their driving and speed accordingly,” said SCHP Col. Mike Oliver. “We know that as night comes and temperature drops, we could see some very different road conditions.”
Some of the problems troopers are reporting include: people traveling too fast for conditions, minor collisions where vehicles are skidding off the roadways, tailgating, stopping abruptly, and motorists with disabled vehicles.
Col. Leroy Taylor, commander of the State Transport Police, says he is especially concerned about motorists travelling safely around large commercial motor vehicles during inclement weather. Taylor urges motorists to “Leave More Space” for big trucks to stop and maneuver and encourages commercial motor vehicles to reduce their speed and keep a safe following distance.
During hazardous weather, SCDPS urges motorists to only use *HP for true emergencies such as reporting collisions or being stranded in a vehicle.
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