'Target Zero' campaign designed to eliminate traffic fatalities in South Carolina

CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCSC) - South Carolina Highway Patrol is stepping up a program designed to try to eliminate traffic fatalities just in time for New Year's Eve.

"Target Zero" is a year round program but is emphasized more during the holiday season, according to Senior Trooper Hannah Wimberly.

"Through Target Zero we go around asking people how many fatalities do you want in your family? How many people do you want to know to be killed in the state of South Carolina?" Wimberly explained.

There is reason for concern because fatal accidents are on the increase in our state.

According to the highway patrol, 806 people have died this year in accidents.

That compares to 762 for the same period last year.

In the Tri-County this year, 41 people have died in Charleston County, 39 in Berkeley County and 16 in Dorchester County.

"When you put it into reality there's always gonna be some type of fatal collision of course throughout the state. But when it's in your family or it's somebody you know, it always hits home," Wimberly said.

Wimberly says on New Year's Eve, troopers will target speeders, people who text while driving and people who drink and drive.

"We just ask that you find some other way home so you don't go out and kill someone or yourself."

Wimberly says anyone who sees an impaired driver should dial *47 on their cell phone to report it.

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