COLUMBIA- The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) is increasing enforcement and education on impaired driving as part of its Sober or Slammer campaign for Labor Day Weekend.
The agency expects increased traffic across the state during the upcoming holiday weekend and encourages motorists to drive safely. There were six fatal collisions during the Labor Day weekend in 2024, with three of those involving impaired driving.
“Our troopers and officers will be working together with local law enforcement this weekend to do our part to reduce collisions, but we need the public’s help to ensure everyone has a safe end to their summer,” said Robert G. Woods IV, Director of the Department of Public Safety. “While we urge drivers to avoid driving impaired, it’s also important to know that the state’s new hands-free law goes into effect on September 1. So as you are driving back home after the long holiday weekend, remember to put the phone down and keep your focus on the road.”
The Sober or Slammer enforcement period begins Friday, August 29, and will run through Monday, September 1. In addition to the expected increase in vacation travel, the weekend will see the start of the college football season and the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
“We urge those who are choosing to celebrate this weekend to make the right decisions,” said Colonel Christopher Williamson, Commander of the SC Highway Patrol. “If you plan to enjoy alcohol, don’t get behind the wheel. The decision to drive impaired could land you in jail or worse. Make the right choice and call a sober friend, a taxi, or a rideshare. It’s as simple as that.”
In combination with the extra enforcement, SCDPS has ramped up its public education efforts by continuing its partnership with NASCAR driver Ross Chastain and Darlington Raceway to bring the Sober or Slammer message to NASCAR fans across the US during the Labor Day weekend. SCDPS is proud to be the entitlement sponsor for NASCAR’s CRAFTSMAN Truck Series playoff race, the Sober or Slammer 200, which begins Saturday at noon.
Additionally, SCDPS has produced a new public service announcement featuring Chastain reminding fans that drunk driving is a selfish choice that can have devastating consequences. The PSA began airing on social media and radio on August 13 and will run through September 1. Fans can view the video PSA here - https://youtu.be/t1WKwB3BH1s
Along with the updated PSA, new Sober or Slammer billboards featuring Chastain can be seen statewide through September 1.
The agency’s Sober or Slammer campaign is an enforcement and education initiative focused on curbing impaired driving on South Carolina roads and runs in coordination with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over national mobilizations.
Labor Day also marks the end of the 100 Deadly Days of Summer, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day during which the number of traffic fatalities historically increase. As of August 28, 542 people have been killed on South Carolina roadways since the beginning of the year, according to preliminary data. This is 133 fewer fatalities on our roadways compared to the same time last year.
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.