MEDIA: Photos from the press conference will be available in the SC Department of Public Safety’s online photo album. Please continue to check for updates.
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) are urging people to celebrate responsibly this Fourth of July holiday weekend.
During a joint press conference Thursday at the Lake Murray Dam, the SC Highway Patrol, a division of SCDPS, and the SCDNR Law Enforcement Division announced a coordinated enforcement initiative to combat impaired driving and impaired boating during the long Independence Day weekend.
The Fourth of July weekend is the year’s busiest weekend on state waters, and troopers and officers want to do everything possible to keep drivers and boaters safe by encouraging people to designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service if alcohol is part of their plans.
Last year, there were nine deaths on South Carolina roadways during the Fourth of July holiday travel period. Five of those deaths involved a driver who was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
“Impaired driving is a dangerous, selfish choice that puts everyone on the road at risk,” said Colonel Christopher Williamson, SC Highway Patrol Commander. “Whether it’s alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs, driving under the influence has serious — and often deadly — consequences. If you’re going out this holiday weekend, just know our troopers will be too! So designate before you celebrate.”
SCDNR’s Law Enforcement Division is emphasizing Operation Dry Water during the holiday weekend, an awareness and enforcement campaign aimed at reducing the number of boating under the influence incidents. Additionally, the division advises boaters to ensure they have the required safety equipment, including enough life jackets to fit every individual on board, and that these life jackets are readily accessible.
“For this upcoming holiday weekend, we are focused on educating the public about the serious dangers of operating a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” said Colonel Chisolm Frampton of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. “Alongside our education efforts, our law enforcement officers will be out in full force, patrolling and taking action against those who choose to operate recklessly or under the influence. Our top priority is making sure everyone returns home safely.”
Additionally, the SC Highway Patrol reminds motorists to slow down and obey the posted speed limits, which was a contributing factor to one out of every four crashes that occurred during last year’s Fourth of July weekend in South Carolina. Alongside the impaired driving and impaired boating enforcement efforts taking place over the long holiday weekend, state troopers and officers will have stepped-up enforcement for speeding and aggressive driving on the state’s major interstates. The SCDNR Law Enforcement Division will provide aerial support to troopers and officers for enforcement efforts on July 4 and July 5.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.