S.C. Department of Public Safety's 'Buckle Up' campaign educates to reduce fatalities

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety and its law enforcement partners statewide announced the kick off of its Buckle Up South Carolina Campaign.

Now through June 4, the BUSC campaign will allow for high visibility enforcement, public information and education as a 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 the state. The campaign will run in coordination with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's national seat belt enforcement, SCDPS said.

As Memorial Day approaches, SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV said the state has historically seen an increase in fatalities on roadways between Memorial Day and Labor Day holiday. The department sought some help to get the message out there quick, fast and in a hurry - safely. There are a few changes to the campaign this year, including a new logo, new public service announcement and a new spokesperson.

"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," Woods said.

There is also a new PSA featuring Chastain promoting the new slogan, "Click it. Don't risk it" that will air on the radio, can be seen on social media, YouTube and billboards statewide. The BUSC logo also reflects the new slogan and was announced on April 5 during a press conference with S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster.

Col. Christopher Williamson, commander of the S.C. Highway Patrol said, "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. Seatbelts 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 Col. 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."