COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Law enforcement from around the state were rewarded for cracking down on drunk drivers.
Eight departments across South Carolina including two in the Midlands, Newberry Police Department and Cayce Department of Public Safety, were awarded squad cars for winning the nine-month long Law Enforcement Challenge.
Department of Public Safety Director Mark Keel credits lawmen from all over the state for helping to reduce DUI related fatalities.
"We've had three straight years where we've had a decreased number of fatalities, again about a 14 percent decrease this year," Keel says. "Less than 800 fatalities on our highways. The last time that was done prior to this year, was in 1982."
Police officers were also honored for their increased efforts in seat belt and reckless driving patrols.
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