Bluffton, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The Bluffton Police Department and multiple law enforcement agencies have initiated Operation Safe Drive 278 to enhance roadway safety in Beaufort and Jasper counties. Running from September 22 to September 27, the operation emphasizes distracted driving prevention, speeding enforcement, and traffic law compliance. The community is urged to prioritize safety as police presence increases, especially following recent fatal collisions on U.S. 278.
Bluffton, SC: Law Enforcement Agencies Launch “Operation Safe Drive 278” to Enhance Roadway Safety
The Bluffton Police Department, along with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, and Hardeeville Police Department, is set to launch “Operation Safe Drive 278” from September 22 to September 27, 2025. This initiative aims to improve roadway safety for both residents and visitors in Beaufort and Jasper counties.
Community Relations Manager Eydie Moody highlighted that the operation will emphasize targeted enforcement and education in several critical areas. These areas of focus include:
- Hands-Free Education: Encouraging drivers to avoid distractions from phones and electronic devices.
- Speeding: Aiming to reduce unsafe speeds to prevent collisions.
- Traffic Violations: Enforcing compliance with traffic signals at intersections and other traffic laws.
- Improper Lane Changes: Promoting safe lane usage and proper signaling.
- Move Over Law: Ensuring drivers yield to stopped emergency and service vehicles.
A significant focus will be on violations related to South Carolina’s Move Over and Hands-Free laws. The Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down or switch lanes away from a stopped emergency vehicle, ensuring the safety of those responding to incidents. Meanwhile, the Hands-Free Law prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a cellphone with any part of their body while driving, reinforcing the importance of paying attention while behind the wheel.
Exceptions to the Hands-Free Law will be made for drivers who are lawfully parked, using a voice-activated device, or reporting an emergency or traffic hazard. During a six-month adjustment period for the Hands-Free Law, violators will receive warnings; however, citations will be issued starting March 1, 2026.
The collaborative effort among the participating law enforcement agencies underlines their commitment to tackling roadway safety challenges through visibility and community engagement. With a noticeable increase in police presence expected on U.S. 278 during this operation, the local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, slow down, and prioritize safety while driving.
This initiative comes in light of alarming statistics, as five individuals have lost their lives in collisions on U.S. 278 in Beaufort County this year alone. The most recent fatal crash occurred near the main entrance to Sun City Hilton Head, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced roadway safety measures.
FAQs
What is “Operation Safe Drive 278”?
“Operation Safe Drive 278” is an initiative launched by the Bluffton Police Department, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, and Hardeeville Police Department to enhance roadway safety from September 22 to September 27, 2025.
What are the main focuses of this operation?
The operation will focus on hands-free education, speeding, traffic violations, improper lane changes, and the Move Over Law.
What is the Move Over Law?
The Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down or switch lanes away from stopped emergency vehicles when approaching.
What is the Hands-Free Law?
The Hands-Free Law prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a cellphone with any part of their body while driving.
Are there exceptions to the Hands-Free Law?
Exceptions are allowed for drivers who are lawfully parked, using a voice-activated device, or reporting an emergency or traffic hazard.
What happens if someone violates the Hands-Free Law during the adjustment period?
Violators will receive warnings during a six-month adjustment period; citations will start being issued on March 1, 2026.
Why is this operation necessary?
The operation is necessary due to a significant number of collisions, with five fatalities recorded on U.S. 278 in Beaufort County this year.
Key Features of Operation Safe Drive 278
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 22 – September 27, 2025 |
| Participating Agencies | Bluffton Police Department, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Hardeeville Police Department |
| Main Focus Areas | Hands-Free Education, Speeding, Traffic Violations, Improper Lane Changes, Move Over Law |
| Hands-Free Law Enforcement Start Date | March 1, 2026 |
| Recent Fatalities on U.S. 278 | 5 fatalities in 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fourth Arrest Made in Jerrieme Washington Murder Case
Beaufort County Approves Revised U.S. 278 Corridor Project
Deadly Collision on U.S. Route 21 in Beaufort County
Multiple Crashes Raise Safety Concerns in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Faces Increased Flooding Risks Amid Funding Cuts
Road and Infrastructure Improvements Planned for Beaufort and Jasper Counties
Bluffton Traffic Collision Results in Fatality and Heightened Concerns
Fatal Car Crash on Hilton Head Island
Beaufort County to Begin Daytime Road Resurfacing and Improvements
Beaufort County to Begin Daytime Road Resurfacing on US 278
Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today: Operation Safe Drive 278
- Island Packet: Operation Safe Drive 278
- WSAV: Operation Safe Drive 278 Kicks Off
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Google Search: Road Safety Initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
