COLUMBIA — During one of the busiest travel times of the year, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) urges drivers to prioritize safety this Thanksgiving holiday week by buckling up, putting away distractions, slowing down, and driving sober.
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 (STP) throughout the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26 and ending at midnight on Sunday, November 30.
Motorists also are reminded that the state’s new hands-free law prohibits drivers from using a mobile electronic device, including holding or supporting it with any part of their body, while driving.
“Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends,” SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV said. “Give yourself time to get to your destination by planning ahead, obeying the speed limit, and putting away your mobile devices when you are behind the wheel. The well-being and safety of all begins with making smart decisions on the road.”
Last year there were 1,407 collisions on SC roadways during the Thanksgiving holiday period, resulting in nine deaths. Four of those fatalities – nearly half – were due to impaired driving.
“Our chief concern is the safety of those who are traveling this holiday period,” SC Highway Patrol Commander Colonel Christopher Williamson said. “Every day our troopers see tragic crashes that could have been prevented. This holiday season, our enforcement efforts will concentrate on reducing dangerous driving choices such as impaired driving, speeding, and distracted driving to help ensure travelers make it to the Thanksgiving table safely.”
Additionally, the State Transport Police will focus its increased enforcement efforts on violations related to impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and out-of-service violations for commercial motor vehicles.
“Our State Transport Police officers will focus their enforcement efforts on high-crash areas and ensuring that commercial motor vehicles are traveling safely and in compliance with state and federal regulations” said Colonel Dwayne Wilson, STP Commander. “We also remind drivers of other vehicles to respect the size and weight of commercial vehicles who need more space and time to stop.”
In addition to increased enforcement, the Department of Public Safety is promoting a public service campaign emphasizing the dangers of drinking and driving. The message “Make it to the Thanksgiving table. Don’t drink and drive” is being shared statewide on billboards, radio ads and social media through the end of the month.
**Media Opportunities**
The SC Highway Patrol Community Relations Officers (CROs) will be present at rest areas across the state on November 26 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 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Locations around the state (see below):
| Location | Trooper |
|---|---|
| Oconee County- Welcome Center, I-85 @ 1mm NB | Master Trooper Mitch Ridgeway |
| Laurens County- Rest Area, I-26 @ 65mm EB | Master Trooper Brandon Bolt |
| York County- Welcome Center, I-77 @ 89mm SB | Master Trooper Hannah Davidson |
| Colleton County- Rest Area, I-95 @ 47mm NB | Corporal Nick Pye |
| Kershaw County- Rest Area, I-20 @ 90 mm WB | Master Trooper William Bennett |
| Orangeburg County- Rest Area, I-26@ 150mm EB | Lance Corporal Brittany Glover |
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.