PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -
South Dakota's Governor is asking residents to drive safely over the holiday. Governor Dennis Daugaard says State Highway Patrol troopers are out in force.
The patrol says the stepped-up effort comes after a weekend during which five fatal crashes resulted in eight deaths. Daugaard says that nearly all crashes can be avoided, but every person must take personal responsibility and do his or her part.
Two people died on South Dakota roads last year during the July Fourth holiday reporting period.