- South Carolina launches Operation Keep Us Safe to target distracted driving violations.
- The campaign follows several trooper injuries and the tragic death of Trooper Ricks.
- Drivers get warnings now but face fines up to $500 after the 180-day grace period.
Public roads carry a certain level of risk no matter where you drive, which is why every country enforces rules meant to keep people safe. In South Carolina, officers are about to start ramping up enforcement on two main dangers. They’ll be looking for anyone guilty of distracted driving and those who fail to slow down and move over for stopped vehicles on the shoulder.
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(function() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“0f7e3106-c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f”);
}
});
Creatively dubbed ‘Operation Keep Us Safe,’ the weeklong initiative spans across the state Department of Safety, Highway Patrol, and 46 county law enforcement agencies. Their mission is to crack down on drivers who ignore the state’s hands-free and slow down, move over laws.
Read: This State Will Throw You In Jail If You Don’t Slow Down And Move Over
The campaign comes after a string of roadside accidents, including three troopers injured or killed in just one month. Among them was First Class Trooper Dennis D. Ricks, the first South Carolina trooper to die in the line of duty since 2017.
Why enforcement is tightening
“I don’t know how to get through to people to care about what’s going on outside of phones, own vehicles and own world. But I do know their lack of attention, lack of good judgment, and their lack of regard for other human lives has got to stop. Enough is enough,” Col. Christopher Williamson, Commander for Highway Patrol, said to WYFF. Troopers say the danger is all too familiar.
One recalled surviving a sideswipe from an impaired truck driver a few years ago. Officers and everyday road users face significant danger anytime they’re on the side of a highway. While slowing down and moving over has been a law on the books since 1996, it’s clear that officers there see the need to heighten awareness around it.
What the laws require
As in many other states, the slow-down, move-over law in South Carolina requires drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching flashing lights on the roadside. Violators can face misdemeanor charges and fines between $300 and $500.
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(function() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751”);
}
});
On the flip side, a new rule regarding cell phones in cars just took effect on September 1. Under the hands-free law, drivers can’t hold or support a device while their vehicle is moving. Officers will issue warnings during a 180-day grace period, after which fines start at $100 and can climb to $200 with license points for repeat offenders.
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(function() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751”);
}
});
#Rule #South #Carolina #Cost #Dont #Exists
