While official numbers have not yet been compiled, 2008 appears to have ended with the least amount of traffic deaths on South Carolina roadways in the past decade.

According to unofficial numbers provided by the South Carolina Highway Patrol, 897 people were killed on South Carolina's Highways in 2008 through Dec. 31, which is down 180 deaths from the 1,077 people who died during the same time span in 2007. Looking at Highway Patrol accident data, you have to go back to 1997 to find the last year in which the highway death toll dipped near the 900 mark.

"Even though the state is down in fatalities, we plan to try to reduce them even more," said Lance Cpl. Jeff Gaskin of the S.C. Highway Patrol. "Everyone is working hard to reduce fatalities and we're also partnering with local law enforcement agencies with a common goal in mind — that's saving lives."

Heading into the New Year's Day celebration, members of the Highway Patrol, Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, Gaffney Police Department and Blacksburg Police Department were out in full force New Year's Eve.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office reported at least four arrests late Wednesday into early Thursday for driving under the influence of alcohol. Arrest and activity reports for Post A of the Highway Patrol, which covers Cherokee and Union Counties, should be made available after the holiday period.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the sheriff's office also partnered for a multi-jurisdictional safety checkpoint during the holiday. Part of a major crack down that began Dec. 12, Gaskin said the Highway Patrol's "Sober or Slammer" campaign runs through this weekend. In addition to multi-jurisdictional checkpoints, the campaign involved "flex scheduling" of troopers to put manpower on the roadways when needed most.

As typical, Gaskin said the campaign was focusing on three main issues: drunk driving, speeding and seat belt violations.

"These violations are present in most fatalities we investigate," he said.

While it's not immediately clear if it had a direct impact on a lower fatality rate in 2008, the Highway Patrol has been focusing more attention on problematic areas, where crash rates and fatality rates have been higher.

"We'll continue to do that this year and in 2009," Gaskin said. "We won't be doing this alone. Traffic fatalities are a community problem. We need everyone on board from local law enforcement to the community and the media so we can reduce fatalities."