5 Ways to Practice Road Safety in South Carolina This Summer

These tips can help you stay safe while you enjoy everything summer has to offer!

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is referred to as the ‘100 Deadly Days of Summer’ by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) because there is almost always an increase in traffic collisions during that time.

Here are 5 ways to practice road safety this summer.

1. Wear your seat belt
   Wearing a seat belt is the single most important action that a motorist can take, according to the SCDPS. It can make all the difference when it comes to surviving a crash and preventing serious injury or death.
2. Don’t speed
   Speeding is one of the leading causes of crashes during the ‘100 Deadly Days of Summer’ and throughout the entire year. Always maintain the speed limit when driving on South Carolina roadways.
3. Don’t drink and drive
   Never get behind the wheel after drinking, even if you feel you’re able to drive. Designate a sober driver, use public transportation, call a cab, or order an Uber or Lyft.
4. Put down your phone
   Cell phones and driving are a terrible combination. No text message is so important that you have to respond while you’re behind the wheel. Put your phone away so it’s not a distraction while you’re driving. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over to a safe place before doing so.
5. Drive defensively Know and understand common road hazards so that you can quickly and safely respond to them. This means staying alert, maintaining control, scanning the road in front of you, and never assuming that other drivers will follow traffic laws.