COLUMBIA, S.C. — With one of the busiest travel weekends of the year underway, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety is urging motorists to prepare for heavier traffic and expect increased law enforcement presence on highways throughout the Thanksgiving holiday period.
Beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, and continuing through midnight Sunday, Nov. 30, the South Carolina Highway Patrol and State Transport Police will step up patrols across the state. Officials are reminding drivers to buckle up, slow down, avoid distractions and never drive impaired.
“Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends,” SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV said in a statement. “Give yourself time to get to your destination by planning ahead, obeying the speed limit and putting away your mobile devices when you are behind the wheel. The well-being and safety of all begins with making smart decisions on the road.”
This Thanksgiving marks the first major holiday travel period under South Carolina’s new hands-free law, which bars drivers from holding or supporting a mobile electronic device while driving.
Safety officials note the reminders are necessary, pointing to last year’s 1,407 collisions on South Carolina roadways during the Thanksgiving travel window. Nine people were killed, and nearly half of those deaths involved impaired driving.
“Our chief concern is the safety of those who are traveling this holiday period,” Highway Patrol Commander Col. Christopher Williamson said. “Every day our troopers see tragic crashes that could have been prevented. This holiday season, our enforcement efforts will concentrate on reducing dangerous driving choices such as impaired driving, speeding and distracted driving to help ensure travelers make it to the Thanksgiving table safely.”
The State Transport Police will also increase enforcement targeting impaired or distracted driving, speeding and violations involving commercial motor vehicles. STP Commander Col. Dwayne Wilson reminded drivers to give tractor-trailers additional space and allow extra room for the heavier vehicles’ stopping distance.
Along with enhanced patrols, the Department of Public Safety is promoting a statewide public service campaign — “Make it to the Thanksgiving table. Don’t drink and drive” — featured on billboards, radio ads and social media through the end of the month.
Highway Patrol Community Relations Officers will also hold safety breaks at rest areas statewide Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering demonstrations and speaking with travelers about safe holiday travel. Troopers will be stationed at Welcome Centers and rest areas in Oconee, Laurens, York, Colleton, Kershaw and Orangeburg counties.
