South Carolina Lawyer Blog
Progressive budget cuts over the past three years have reduced the number of South Carolina state troopers by 20 percent. Now interim Highway Patrol Director Lt. Col. Mike Oliver says it’s time to reverse some of the cuts in the name of public safety. He is requesting an additional 40 troopers to increase DUI arrests and improve collision response.
“[Current reduced trooper levels] may mean a longer wait time for us to respond to a collision. We certainly respond as quick as we can to clear the roadway and investigate their collisions, but more troopers certainly gives us the ability to do that quicker,” Oliver said in a report on WSPA-TV in Spartanburg.
Director Leroy Smith of the Department of Public Safety said he believes increased troop levels would also prevent trooper fatigue and help retention rates.
South Carolina currently has 804 troopers, a sharp decrease from the ideal level of 1,000. In 2008, there were 983 troopers. Adding 40 troopers would cost $4.5 million, and about half the cost would be for one-time equipment expenses such as new vehicles.
Opponents of the increased cost point out that the number of highway deaths has decreased significantly between 2008 and 2010 — from 921 to 774. That reduction is despite fewer troopers patrolling the roads. Traffic fatalities have fallen nationally, and experts believe this may be partially due to decreased travel because of the bad economy.
Contact The Louthian Law Firm
If you or someone you love has been injured in a South Carolina traffic accident, you should speak with an experienced Columbia car crash attorney such as the ones at the Louthian Law Firm as soon as possible. We have represented the rights of accident victims since 1959, and we’re committed to providing personalized service to you while aggressively pursuing negligent motorists. Because we understand how financially devastating an accident can be, we charge you nothing until you have recovered compensation for your damages.
For a free consultation, call the South Carolina auto accident lawyers at the Louthian Law Firm today. Toll free: (866) 454-1200. Locally: (803) 454-1200. You can also fill out our confidential online case evaluation form.