Mount Pleasant, S.C. Set for Traffic Checkpoints This Weekend
Get ready, Mount Pleasant! This Friday and Saturday, local law enforcement will be out in full force with traffic checkpoints strategically placed across our beloved town. The goal? To keep our roads safe and reduce the number of collisions that have unfortunately become too common.
Why Are Checkpoints Necessary?
According to recent reports, there have been a staggering 2,639 collisions in Mount Pleasant this year alone! That’s right – that’s nearly 220 accidents every month. Out of these incidents, a concerning 81 crashes occurred on Rifle Range Road. Clearly, something needs to be done to combat this troubling trend.
Checkpoint Locations and Times
So, where can you expect these checkpoints? Here’s the lowdown:
- Rifle Range Road in front of East Cooper Montessori: This checkpoint will kick off the weekend festivities, operating from 10 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. on Friday night. Keep an eye out!
- Hungryneck Boulevard near Venning Road: The second stop will get going from 11 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. on Friday. Last year, 52 collisions were logged in this busy area!
- Coleman Boulevard and Simmons Street: From midnight to 12:45 a.m. on Saturday, officers will be stationed here. This stretch has seen 94 collisions this year, with numerous factors contributing to the mishaps.
- Finally, finish off your Friday night with a trip to the checkpoint at West Coleman Boulevard and Patriots Point Road: This last stop will run from 1 a.m. to 1:45 a.m. on Saturday.
What to Expect at the Checkpoints
Now, you may be wondering what happens at these checkpoints. Well, officers will be checking for a variety of potential issues including, but not limited to, safety violations, impaired driving, speeding, and other risky behaviors. They’ve pointed out that a significant number of the accidents were caused by following too closely, failure to yield right of way, and of course, driving under the influence.
The police department is very serious about curbing impaired driving during this holiday season. Their ongoing campaign, dubbed ‘Sober or Slammer’, aims to raise awareness and honor those who have sadly lost their lives due to reckless behaviors on the roads. It is a reflective effort that marries safety with community support.
A Community Effort
Cooperating during these checkpoints is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about looking out for one another. Each one of us contributes to the safety of our community, and it’s essential to remember that the roads are shared spaces. By ensuring you and your fellow drivers are following the rules, we can all make Mount Pleasant safer for everyone.
Final Thoughts
As we gear up for a weekend filled with festivities, let’s keep it safe out there, folks! Whether you’re heading out for a fun night on the town or just running errands, be mindful that these checkpoints will be active. Stay alert, drive responsibly, and let’s help lower those collision numbers together. Happy driving, Mount Pleasant!
