The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), along with law enforcement partners statewide are joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national seat belt enforcement mobilization by kicking off the Buckle Up, South Carolina (BUSC) campaign.

From now through the end of May, the seat belt enforcement and education initiative aims to remind people to buckle up in the weeks before Memorial Day, which kicks off the 100 Deadly Days of Summer travel season.

“Each year, Memorial Day is the start of what we call the 100 Deadly Days of Summer, which is the busy travel period through Labor Day when we typically see an increase in traffic fatalities in South Carolina,” SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV said. “In an effort to save lives, we are reminding motorists that safety behind the wheel starts with buckling up.”

According to preliminary statistics, nearly one out of every two people in fatal collisions in South Carolina were not wearing a seat belt during the 100 Deadly Days of Summer period in 2024. Additionally, nearly one in four people who were involved in severe injury collisions in South Carolina were not wearing a seat belt during the same period. 

To help reduce the number of fatal and severe injury collisions, the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the State Transport Police will conduct special enforcement from May 19 through May 31, 2025. 

“We know that seat belts save lives and reduce the risk of serious injury,” said SC Highway Patrol Colonel Christopher Williamson. “That is why our troopers will be placing extra emphasis on seat belt and child restraint violations, to make sure those driving on our interstates and roadways are as safe as they can be. Remember — whether you are traveling far, or just going a few miles from home, always buckle up.”

State Transport Police Colonel Dwayne Wilson said his officers will also be focusing on ensuring commercial motor vehicle drivers and passengers are obeying the primary seat belt law and operating safely this summer.

“Our officers will work to educate commercial drivers about the dangers of not buckling up and enforce safety belt violations as they occur. There is a common misconception that people who drive large trucks and vehicles are safe without a seat belt because of the size of their vehicle, but that is simply not true. No matter the size of the vehicle, drivers and passengers benefit from buckling up.”

In support of the stepped-up enforcement, SCDPS is continuing its partnership with NASCAR driver Ross Chastain for the third consecutive year. Through this partnership, Chastain continues to serve as the spokesperson for the SCDPS paid media educational campaign, Buckle Up, South Carolina. 

Newly produced ads will run on social media platforms, as well as on billboards and radio stations. The new video ad features Ross sharing that he never drives his personal, or professional vehicle, without a seat belt and reminds drivers to, “Click it. Don’t risk it.”

The BUSC campaign is part of SCDPS’s education activities, and represents a long-term strategy to reduce traffic fatalities in South Carolina. More information about the BUSC campaign can be found here.

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.