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Governor Daugaard Calls for Travel-Safe Fourth of July

PIERRE, S.D. - Gov. Dennis Daugaard calls on South Dakotans to make safe choices as they travel for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Two people died on South Dakota roads during last year’s Independence Day holiday travel reporting period, according to the State Office of Accident Records. Another 42 people were injured in 127 crashes during the 2011 reporting period.

“Fourth of July is a celebration of the independence of our nation, and I want it to be a joyous time with family and friends,’’ Gov. Daugaard said. “If everyone takes responsibility for making safe choices on our highways, we can avoid turning a celebration into a tragedy.’’

Making safe choices on the highway means:

· Always wearing seatbelts

· Obeying speed limits and other traffic laws

· Never drinking and driving

· Focusing complete attention on the act of driving, avoiding distractions that could lead to a crash

“Nearly all highway crashes can be avoided, but each of us must take personal responsibility and do our part,’’ the Governor said.