September 23, 2025

Operation Safe Drive 278 to Enhance Traffic Safety in Beaufort

Beaufort, September 23, 2025

News Summary

Operation Safe Drive 278 is a weeklong initiative focused on increasing traffic safety by strictly enforcing laws related to speeding, lane changes, and the new hands-free law in Beaufort and Jasper counties. Starting Monday, drivers should expect heightened police presence as multiple law enforcement agencies collaborate in this effort. The initiative aims to address a troubling trend of accidents and fatalities on U.S. 278, underscoring the importance of adherence to traffic regulations.

Beaufort, SC: Operation Safe Drive 278 to Enhance Traffic Safety

Drivers on U.S. 278 in Beaufort and Jasper counties should be prepared for an increased police presence starting Monday. This weeklong traffic safety initiative, called Operation Safe Drive 278, will run through Saturday and aims to enforce traffic laws more stringently in the area.

The focus of Operation Safe Drive 278 is on several critical traffic violations including speeding, improper lane changes, turn signal violations, and infringements of South Carolina’s new “hands-free” law. This law, which took effect at the beginning of September, makes it illegal for drivers to hold or support a cellphone or any electronic device while driving. Exceptions apply when drivers are lawfully parked, using a voice-activated device, or reporting emergencies.

During this six-month adjustment period for the hands-free law, violators will receive warnings. However, enforcement tickets will begin being issued starting March 1.

Collaborative Enforcement Efforts

This initiative is a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Bluffton Police Department, and Hardeeville Police Department. In addition to the traffic law enforcement focus, there will be a special emphasis on enforcing South Carolina’s “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to slow down or change lanes when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle.

Recent Context and Safety Concerns

The need for increased enforcement comes in response to a rise in traffic incidents that have endangered law enforcement personnel. Recently, three state troopers were struck by vehicles during traffic stops, one of whom was fatally injured. This unfortunate situation underscores the urgency of this initiative.

Additionally, there have been a troubling five fatalities on U.S. 278 in Beaufort County in 2025, with the latest crash occurring recently near the main entrance of Sun City Hilton Head. This alarming trend highlights the necessity for heightened traffic law enforcement as part of Operation Safe Drive 278.

Conclusion

As ‘Operation Safe Drive 278’ unfolds throughout the week, local law enforcement agencies aim to improve road safety and reduce accidents in Beaufort and Jasper counties. Drivers are encouraged to adhere to all traffic laws, particularly the hands-free law, to promote a safer driving environment for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Operation Safe Drive 278?

Operation Safe Drive 278 is a weeklong traffic safety initiative aimed at enforcing traffic laws on U.S. 278 in Beaufort and Jasper counties.

When does Operation Safe Drive 278 take place?

Operation Safe Drive 278 is set to take place from Monday through Saturday.

What laws will be enforced during this initiative?

The focus will be on speeding, improper lane changes, turn signal violations, and infringements of South Carolina’s new “hands-free” law.

What is the hands-free law in South Carolina?

The hands-free law prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a cellphone or any electronic device while driving, with some exceptions.

What happens to violators of the hands-free law during the adjustment period?

During the six-month adjustment period, violators will receive warnings, with enforcement tickets starting March 1.

Key Features of Operation Safe Drive 278

Feature	Description
Initiative Duration	Monday through Saturday
Focus Areas	Speeding, improper lane changes, turn signal violations, hands-free law infringements
Hands-Free Law	Prohibits driver from holding a cellphone while driving; exceptions apply
Warning Period	Warnings for violators for six months; enforcement tickets start March 1
Collaborating Agencies	South Carolina Highway Patrol, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Bluffton Police Department, Hardeeville Police Department
Move Over Law	Drivers must slow down or change lanes when approaching stopped emergency vehicles
Recent Fatalities	Five fatalities on U.S. 278 in 2025

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort County Launches AI-Powered Traffic Camera System
University of South Carolina Enhances Campus Safety and Embraces AI
Bicyclist Airlifted After Collision with Car on Hilton Head Island
Beaufort County Enhances Hurricane Preparedness with AI Traffic Cameras
20-Year-Old Victim Identified in Beaufort Shooting
Shooting Incident at Cross Creek Apartments in Beaufort
Beaufort Deputy City Manager J.J. Sauve Resigns
Beaufort County Welcomes an Array of September Events
J.J. Sauve Resigns as Deputy City Manager of Beaufort
Deputy City Manager J.J. Sauve Resigns from Beaufort

Additional Resources

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.

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.

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