COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Department of Public Safety urges drivers to buckle up, slow down, put away distractions, and drive sober this Thanksgiving holiday week.

Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel times of the year. In response to the anticipated increase of traffic, drivers in the state can expect to see increased law enforcement presence from the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the State Transport Police throughout the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, beginning on Wednesday, November 27, and ending at midnight on Sunday, December 1.

There were 1,356 collisions during the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday period, resulting in 11 deaths in South Carolina alone. Four of those fatalities were due to impaired driving.

“All too often during the holiday season, our troopers and officers see devastating traffic collisions that could have been prevented,” said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods, IV. “We encourage everyone on the road to plan ahead for heavy traffic and drive defensively, so you can make it to the Thanksgiving table.”  

Additionally, SC Highway Patrol troopers will be positioned every 10 miles on interstates I-20, I-26, I-77, I-85, and I-95 on Wednesday, November 27, and Sunday, December 1.

“Our additional troopers on the road will be on the lookout for dangerous driving behaviors that typically lead to fatal collisions,” said Colonel Christopher Williamson, SC Highway Patrol Commander. “By focusing on violations such as speeding and impaired driving, we will do all we can to ensure that everyone gets to where they are going, safely.”  

Additionally, the State Transport Police will provide increased enforcement and education about commercial motor vehicle traffic safety. This includes reminding drivers to avoid their large blind spots and difficulty stopping due to their weight and size.

“State Transport Police officers will focus their enforcement efforts in high-crash corridors and ensure that large trucks are in compliance with state and federal regulations, “ said Colonel Dwayne Wilson, STP Commander. “However, it is important for drivers to respect the size and weight of these larger vehicles. Most tractor-trailers are hauling approximately 80,000 pounds, compared to most passenger vehicles of 3,000-4,000 pounds. That means it takes a lot more time for these large vehicles to come to a stop. In fact, on average, it takes tractor-trailers nearly two full football field lengths to come to a stop if they are traveling at normal highway speeds. This is why we always encourage drivers to give them more space to stop.”

In addition to increased enforcement, the Department of Public Safety is also promoting a public service announcement emphasizing the dangers of drinking and driving. The message - “Make it to the Thanksgiving table. Don’t drink and drive” - was posted to billboards on November 1 and began running on sponsored social media ads on November 15.

**Media Opportunities**

The SC Highway Patrol Community Relations Officers (CRO) will be present at rest areas across the state on November 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to educate visitors about safe driving.

If you are traveling, stop by one of the SC Highway Patrol’s Welcome Center/Rest Area Events.

Who:     SC Highway Patrol CROs

What:   Troopers hold Thanksgiving holiday safety breaks where the public and media can speak with troopers, learn about safe
               travel and the dangers of holiday travel, and view safety demonstrations.

When:  Wednesday, November 27, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Locations around the state (see below):

The latest fatality report is available on our website at https://scdps.sc.gov/news. These reports are released weekly by SCDPS, typically on Mondays (unless there is a state holiday).

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.