CLEMSON — Clemson Police Chief Jimmy Dixon said Friday night’s highway safety checks, set up along both sides of U.S. Highway 76 at the Clemson city limits, netted 58 citations.

The citations involved violations ranging from alcohol and drugs and illegally carrying of a firearm to suspended drivers’ licenses and equipment violations.

“It went extremely well,” Dixon said. “We were out there until 2 a.m. (Saturday).”

Dixon said drug arrests consisted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine within proximity of a school. Alcohol violations included open containers found inside vehicles.

Clemson police, along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services and state transport police performed the highway safety checks as a way of keeping traffic fatalities down in Pickens County.

This year, Pickens County has experienced fewer fatalities than it did a year ago (9 compared to 16, as of July 20), and Dixon said he felt Friday night’s effort, as well as a multijurisdictional enforcement effort during the summer, has been a key factor.

“Naturally, when you are out there and making these cases, there has to be some impact, both from an educational and enforcement standpoint,” Dixon said.

Dixon said officers inspected seat belt usage, driver’s licenses, vehicle safety, illegal contraband and checked for individuals driving with outstanding warrants. In addition, K-9 units were on hand to provide assistance.

“Everyone (motorists) was very cooperative,” he said. “The roadcheck was set up in a safe manner with plenty of notification on both sides of (U.S.) Highway 76, and I thought that, overall, it was a big success.”

While Dixon and his department now turn attention toward preparing for 80,000-plus football fans who will be entering Clemson in less than two weeks for the first of seven home dates at Memorial Stadium, efforts similar to last Friday will continue, he added.

“We will continue to work with patrol and hold checkpoints throughout the city for the remainder of the year but on a smaller scale,” Dixon said. The chief said he was uncertain as to specific dates.