SC Department of Public Safety Reminds Drivers Safety Doesn’t Take a Holiday; Increased Law Enforcement Roadway Presence Planned

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) encourages drivers to stay alert and exercise caution on the roadways this holiday season. Safety precautions include wearing seatbelts, driving sober, obeying the speed limit, and putting away distractions.

With the anticipated increase in traffic, drivers in the state can expect to see greater law enforcement presence from the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the State Transport Police for the Christmas and New Year’s holiday enforcement periods, which run from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, to midnight on Sunday, December 28, and from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, to midnight on Sunday, January 4.

Last year, from December 29, 2024, to January 1, 2025, there were 871 collisions on SC roadways during the New Year’s holiday enforcement period, resulting in nine deaths. Four of those fatalities – nearly half – were due to alcohol or drug impairment.

“The holidays should be a time for celebration and enjoying family and friends,” said SCDPS Director Robert Woods. “No family should have to experience the tragedy of losing a loved one on the highways. Let’s all work together to ensure everyone makes it home safely this holiday season.”

In addition to increased enforcement, the Department of Public Safety is promoting a public service campaign emphasizing the dangers of impaired driving. The message “Drinking and driving will land you in a blue-light sleigh” is being shared statewide on billboards, radio ads, gas station TV, and social media through the end of the month. Watch the public safety announcement here.

For those planning to enjoy alcohol this season, below are a few steps to ensure a safe ride home:

• Designate a sober driver.
• Use public transportation, such as buses and shuttles.
• Call a local cab or taxi service, or plan ahead for a taxi.
• Download and use ride-share apps such as Uber, Lyft, etc.

In addition, SCDPS provides these safe driving tips to keep in mind during the busy holiday season:

• Eliminate distractions: Put away your phone when behind the wheel, avoid arguments and stressful conversations with passengers, and ensure that children are properly and safely buckled up.
• Rainy conditions: Slow down, increase your following distances, and turn on your vehicle’s headlights and wipers when it is raining.
• Foggy/smoky conditions: When fog or smoke is present, turn on your vehicle’s low-beam headlights. The white line on the right side of the roadway is for use as a guide during foggy conditions and can prevent you from going off the right side of the road.
• Work zones: When approaching work zones, exercise caution by reducing your speed, increasing your following distance, staying alert for highway workers, watching the traffic around you, and being prepared to stop.
• Aggressive drivers: If you encounter someone who is driving recklessly or aggressively, slow down to allow him/her to go around you and keep a safe distance. Never try to “compete” or take a stand against that person.
• Tire blowout: Have a good grip on the steering wheel, allow your car or motorcycle to coast to a stop, and try to get off the main traveled portion of the roadway. Do not brake abruptly or speed up to get out of the way of other motorists as this may cause your vehicle to crash.