COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) and law enforcement partners statewide are focusing on seat belt enforcement ahead of Memorial Day with the kick-off of the Buckle Up South Carolina (BUSC) campaign. The high visibility enforcement, public information, and education campaign will run in coordination with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s national seat belt enforcement mobilization today through June 4, 2023. The special enforcement period will run from May 22 through June 4, 2023.

“Memorial Day is coming up fast, and so is the start of the “100 Deadly Days of Summer,” a period between Memorial Day and Labor Day where we historically see an increase in fatalities on South Carolina roadways,” said Robert G. Woods IV, Director of SCDPS. “This year we have updated our enforcement campaign and partnered with Darlington Raceway and NASCAR driver Ross Chastain to help us let every motorist know – you can help reduce fatalities on our roadways by simply buckling up and ensuring every passenger with you is buckled up too.”

This year, SCDPS will air a new PSA featuring Chastain promoting the new slogan, “Click it. Don’t risk it”. The BUSC logo was also updated to reflect the new slogan and was publically announced on April 5, 2023, during a press conference with Governor Henry McMaster.

The new ads will be heard on the radio, and seen on social media, YouTube, and billboards statewide.

“The two most important actions a motorist can take before driving a vehicle is to buckle your seat belt and properly restrain any young children who are your passengers,” said Colonel Christopher Williamson, Commander of the SC Highway Patrol. “Seat belts save lives and reduce the risk of serious injury, so our troopers will be placing special emphasis on seat belt and child restraint violations during this enforcement period.”

State Transport Police Colonel Dean Dill says his officers will have a similar focus for drivers and passengers of commercial motor vehicles.

“State Transport Police officers will work to educate commercial drivers about the risks of not buckling up and enforcing safety belt violations,” Dill said. “It is a common belief that large truck operators are safe because of the size of the vehicle, but that is simply not the case. We all have a part to play in safety on our roadways. Together, we know we can make a difference.”

The BUSC campaign is part of the department’s Target Zero umbrella, which guides all enforcement and education activities at SCDPS, and represents a long-term strategy to reduce and eliminate traffic fatalities in South Carolina.

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.