Drivers in South Carolina will soon incur $500 fines simply for failing to switch lanes. | Carscoops

      A lethal month for state troopers has led to a statewide initiative against phone usage and move-over infractions

       20 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Stephen Rivers

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      South Carolina initiates Operation Keep Us Safe to address distracted driving offenses.

      This campaign follows multiple trooper injuries and the unfortunate passing of Trooper Ricks.

      Currently, drivers will receive warnings, but after a 180-day grace period, they could face fines of up to $500.

      

      Driving on public roads inherently carries some risk, which is why all states enforce regulations aimed at maintaining safety. In South Carolina, law enforcement is set to enhance scrutiny on two significant hazards: distracted driving and the failure to slow down and move over for vehicles stopped on the shoulder.

      

      

      Called ‘Operation Keep Us Safe,’ this week-long program involves the state Department of Safety, Highway Patrol, and 46 county law enforcement agencies. Their goal is to clamp down on drivers who disregard the state’s hands-free and move-over laws.

      Read: This State Will Imprison You If You Don’t Slow Down And Move Over

      The initiative follows a series of roadside incidents, including three troopers either injured or killed within a single month. One of them was First Class Trooper Dennis D. Ricks, marking the first South Carolina trooper to die in the line of duty since 2017.

      

      

      

      Reasons for the intensified enforcement

      “I struggle to find a way to make people care about the world outside their phones, vehicles, and personal space. However, it’s evident that their lack of attention, poor judgment, and disregard for others' lives must change. We've reached a breaking point,” stated Col. Christopher Williamson, Commander of the Highway Patrol, to WYFF. Troopers stress that the threat is all too evident.

      One officer recounted escaping a sideswipe from an intoxicated truck driver a few years ago. Officers and everyday drivers face considerable peril whenever they are alongside a highway. Although the law requiring slowing down and moving over has been in place since 1996, it’s evident that officers recognize the need for greater awareness regarding this issue.

      

      

      Regulations in place

      Similar to many other states, South Carolina's slow-down, move-over law mandates that drivers reduce speed and change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights on the roadside. Offenders may be charged with misdemeanors and incur fines ranging from $300 to $500.

      

      

      Conversely, a new regulation concerning cell phone use in vehicles came into effect on September 1. Under the hands-free law, drivers are prohibited from holding or supporting a device while driving. Officers will provide warnings during a 180-day grace period, after which fines will start at $100 and can escalate to $200 along with license points for repeat infractors.

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       Photos SC Highway Patrol