by Launch of a Traffic Safety Operation in South Carolina
The authorities of South Carolina have initiated “Operation Keep Us Safe,” aimed at combating traffic violations, particularly distracted driving and failure to comply with move-over and slow-down requirements in the presence of vehicles on the shoulder.
Tragedies That Led to Increased Enforcement
This campaign is a response to a series of road incidents in which patrol officers were injured. In the past month, three officers have been injured or killed, among them Senior Trooper Dennis D. Rix, who became the first trooper killed in the line of duty since 2017.
Structure and Goal of the Operation
The week-long operation involves the State Department of Public Safety, the Patrol Service, and 46 county law enforcement agencies. Its main task is to enhance compliance with hands-free phone laws and move-over/slow-down rules near stopped vehicles.
Words from the Patrol Commander
I don’t know how to make people pay attention to what’s happening outside their phones and their own worlds. But I do know that their inattention, lack of judgment, and disregard for the lives of others must stop. Enough is enough, — stated Colonel Christopher Williamson, Commander of the Patrol Service.
Danger on the Roads
Road service workers and ordinary drivers face serious risks when on the shoulder. Although the move-over/slow-down law has been in effect since 1996, it is clear that driver awareness of these rules needs to be increased.
Legal Requirements
According to the law, drivers must slow down and change lanes when approaching vehicles with activated flashing lights. Violators can be charged with a misdemeanor and face fines from $300 to $500.
New Rules Regarding Phone Use
As of September 1st, a new law prohibiting holding a phone while driving has come into effect. During a 180-day warning period, drivers will only receive warnings; afterwards, fines will range from $100 to $200, with points added to the license for repeat offenders.
Increased enforcement reflects growing threats to road safety, partly linked to the increased use of mobile devices while driving. While the fines may seem strict, they are aimed at protecting the lives of not only patrol officers but all road users. The effectiveness of such campaigns often depends on a combination of law enforcement measures and public awareness, which can contribute to the formation of safer driving habits.
