Making Hwy 17 a safer commute for drivers following a spike in accidents last year

With accidents on the rise on Highway 17 last year, local law endowment and agencies are working to make the commute a lot safer for drivers.

Safety upgrades include adding more patrol officers, shoulders and guard rails etc. Officials say the increase can be attributed to the relentless downpours this winter making the highway wet and slippery causing more accidents.

They also say distracted driving, people going over the speed limits play big factors.