CHARLOTTE, N.C. (November 22, 2017) The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) alongside South Carolina law enforcement will be cracking down on texting and driving during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
So far in 2017, South Carolina has seen an estimated 13,872 crashes resulting in 38 fatalities as a direct result of drivers using cell phones and other mobile devices behind the wheel.
In response to these numbers, The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) Troops 1, 3, 5, and 6 will be stationed along interstates and highways from November 20-26 for the sole purpose of identifying and pulling over motorists who are using their mobile devices while driving. Normal enforcement of the driving laws will continue to be monitored by SCDPS officers in all areas.
The Thanksgiving enforcement is part of the ongoing “Operation STOP” initiative and will be called “STOP Texting and Driving.”
“AAA Carolinas proudly supports South Carolina’s STOP initiative in the fight to end the texting and driving epidemic,” said AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety President Tiffany Wright. “We are tired of seeing this dangerous habit lead to crashes and deaths on our streets and roadways. South Carolina is sending a message that it will not tolerate motorists practicing this risky behavior and the Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect time for this crackdown with so many Carolinians driving to their destinations.”
AAA Carolinas estimates that a record breaking 630,000 South Carolinians will be traveling by vehicle over the Thanksgiving holiday this year.
Each Troop will be using unmarked vehicles staffed with two troopers – a driver and a primary spotter. Last year, SCHP issued 1,034 citations for texting and driving over the period.
The SCDPS will also be handing out safety materials at welcome and rest areas across the state.
AAA Carolinas encourages everyone traveling this Thanksgiving holiday to practice safe driving habits behind the wheel. Buckle up, don’t speed, never drink and drive, and eliminate distractions behind the wheel. Disconnect and Drive.
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AAA Carolinas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 2.1 million member and the public with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.