Law enforcement encourages safe travel this 4th of July

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – July 4th has been consistently ranked as the deadliest single day of the year on U.S. roads, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Whether you’re driving a car or a boat, staying sober, focused, and following all safety rules is crucial. 

According to IIHS, 143 people die in motor vehicle crashes on a typical July 4^th. That’s 35 more people than on an average day.

Alcohol plays an outsized role in crash deaths on July 4th. About 47 percent of deaths involve at least one impaired party.

Keep an eye on speed limits, wear your seatbelt or life jacket, and designate a sober driver if needed.

Let’s make this holiday fun and safe for everyone, ensuring that we all get home safely to continue celebrating with our loved ones.

Hitting the water

This holiday weekend is one of the busiest times of year on South Carolina lakes and waterways.

Throughout the weekend, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) will be conducting courtesy boat inspections at public boat landings around the state. 

SCDNR officers will be checking boats for the right safety gear and proper registration. If something is missing, they won’t give tickets but will let you fix it before you launch. Officers will also be there to answer questions and share safety tips.

July Fourth holiday boat inspection locations:

Thursday, July 4:

• Charleston County: Wappoo Cut Landing, 9-11 a.m.

Friday, July 5:

• Charleston County: Limehouse Landing, Stono River, 9-11 a.m.
• Charleston County: Buck Hall Landing, McClelanville, 9-11 a.m.
• Georgetown County: Carrol Campbell Landing, Sampit River, 9-11 a.m.

Saturday, July 6:

• Charleston County: Remley’s Point Landing, Mt. Pleasant, 9-11 a.m.
• Berkeley County: William H. Dennis Landing, Tail Race Canal, Moncks Corner, 9-11 a.m.

To report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, call the SCDNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431 or dial #DNR on your cellular phone.

For a copy of South Carolina’s boating regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses, or to obtain a free float plan form, contact the SCDNR boating safety office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit http://www.dnr.sc.gov/education/boated.html.

Hitting the roadways

Drivers across South Carolina will see more law enforcement on the roads over the next few days as the South Carolina Department of Public Safety conducts special enforcement from July 3 through July 7.

As part of the “Sober or Slammer” campaign, the South Carolina Highway Patrol and State Transport Police will be enforcing all traffic violations, especially speeding, seatbelt usage, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and impaired driving.

Some counties have also announced they will have 4th of July checkpoints in place to ensure their area’s safety. 

Authorities said they will be checking for a valid driver’s license, signs of impairment, and proper child restraints (if applicable).

Known checkpoint locations:

Dorchester County 

• Highway 17A and Clubhouse Road
• Miles Jamison Road and Braly Drive

Moncks Corner 

• Foxbank Plantation Boulevard
• Broughton Road

Summerville – 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on July 4th and 5th.

• North Maple Street
• Nexton Parkway
• Brighton Park Boulevard
• Sigma Drive
• West Richardson Avenue
• West Boundary Street
• South Main Street (17A)

Stay safe and have fun!