Police will be out in force this weekend

The South Carolina Highway Patrol and local police agencies plan to be out in full force this weekend to keep the roadways safe.

"Basically, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the 100 deadly days of summer," said Lance Cpl. Jeff Gaskin of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

During the same holiday weekend last year, 19 people were killed in 16 fatal wrecks on South Carolina's roadways. To make roads safer, Gaskin said the Highway Patrol plans to focus on speeding, drunk driving and the use of safety belts, which are all major contributing factors in fatal crashes.

While police don't advertise the locations, Gaskin said the Highway Patrol will be teaming up with local police agencies, such as the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, Gaffney City Police and Blacksburg Police, to conduct multi-jurisdiction traffic safety checkpoints throughout the region this weekend.

Gaskin advises that motorists can help by buckling up, obeying posted speed limits and using designated drivers if they plan to consume alcoholic beverages.

And because holiday traffic tends to be heavy, Gaskin advises motorists to allow for additional driving time wherever they're heading.

"Our number-one goal, our number one mission, is to reduce fatalities," Gaskin said.

Five people have been killed on Cherokee County's roads thus far this year.