South Dakota Highway Patrol Troopers out in Force

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers are out in force for a pre-Thanksgiving effort to raise public awareness of traffic laws.

The Highway Patrol says "Operation Safe Thanksgiving" is a statewide, high-visibility campaign designed to remind motorists to be careful during the holiday weekend.

The day before Thanksgiving traditionally is one of the busiest travel days of the year.

As part of the operation, the Highway Patrol says troopers will focus on "discouraging and arresting drunk drivers" and enforcing seatbelt compliance. They also will strictly enforce other traffic laws, such as speeding, stop sign and passing zone violations.

Col. Craig Price is the superintendent of the Highway Patrol. He says troopers will make arrests as needed, but the main goals of the operation are education and awareness, not arrests.

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