Governor Daugaard Urges Safe Travel On Memorial Day Holiday

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard is urging South Dakotans to make safe, smart choices and have a fatality-free Memorial Day weekend.

“We have traveled and celebrated the Memorial Day weekend without a highway fatality twice in the last three years,’’ Gov. Daugaard said. “We can do it again this year if we all make safe choices on the highways. Traffic laws are there for everyone’s protection. Let’s all take care, and travel safely.’’

The Memorial Day weekend is traditionally the start of the summer travel season in South Dakota, and traffic is likely to be heavier than usual, Gov. Daugaard said. He asked motorists to follow speed limits, avoid distractions, make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt and have a sober driver at the wheel.

The Governor noted that the 2014 Legislature passed a law making it illegal to text and drive.

“While that law doesn’t officially take effect until July 1, texting and driving is dangerous and ill-advised,’’ Gov. Daugaard said. “The upcoming holiday weekend is a good opportunity for all drivers to remind themselves to keep their eyes off their phones and on the road.’’

Memorial Day weekend in South Dakota was free of highway fatalities in 2013 and 2011. One person died during the holiday reporting period in 2012, statistics from the State Office of Highway Safety show.