“Buckle Up, South Carolina” campaign begins to enforce seat belts are worn

LOWCOUNTRY, Sc. (WTOC) - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety joined the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s campaign, emphasizing wearing a seat belt leading into Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is the start of the “100 Deadly Days of Summer” travel season, ending Labor Day weekend, the busiest travel period of the year.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol and State Transport Police are conducting special enforcement from Monday, May 19, through May 31.

“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.”

READ MORE: WTOC Traffic

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 their statistics, nearly one out of every two people in fatal crashes in the state was not wearing a seatbelt last year during the 100 days. And, nearly one in four people involved in severe injury crashes in the state were not wearing a seat belt.

“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,” said State Transport Police Colonel Dwayne Wilson. “No matter the size of the vehicle, drivers and passengers benefit from buckling up.”