Beaufort, September 23, 2025
News Summary
U.S. 278 in Beaufort and Jasper counties will see increased police presence due to ‘Operation Safe Drive 278,’ a weeklong traffic safety initiative. This program targets speeding and violations of the new ‘hands-free’ law, which starts enforcement in 2026. The initiative aims to curb rising traffic fatalities, emphasized by recent tragic incidents involving state troopers. Collaborating agencies include the South Carolina Highway Patrol and local police departments. Plans are also in discussion to enhance highway safety, along with potential changes to golf cart regulations.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Drivers on U.S. 278 in Beaufort and Jasper counties will soon notice an increased police presence as part of a weeklong traffic safety initiative known as “Operation Safe Drive 278.” This initiative is scheduled to run from Monday to Saturday and aims to address rising traffic fatalities and ensure compliance with new traffic laws.
The focus of “Operation Safe Drive 278” includes targeting speeding, improper lane changes, turn signals, and violations of South Carolina’s new “hands-free” law. Effective from September, the “hands-free” law prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a cellphone or electronic device while driving. Exceptions to this law include the use of a voice-activated device or when the vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped to report an emergency or traffic hazard.
During a six-month adjustment period, violators of the hands-free law will receive warnings; however, starting on March 1, 2026, tickets will begin to be issued for violations. This initiative also emphasizes compliance with South Carolina’s “move over” law, which mandates drivers to slow down or change lanes when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle.
The enforcement effort comes following a tragic month in which three state troopers were struck by vehicles while conducting traffic stops, resulting in one fatality. Additionally, there have been five fatalities on U.S. 278 in Beaufort County just this year, with the most recent fatal crash occurring near the main entrance to Sun City Hilton Head last weekend.
“Operation Safe Drive 278” is a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Bluffton Police Department, and Hardeeville Police Department. This joint initiative underscores the community’s commitment to improving road safety in the area.
Previous incidents have raised concerns about road safety in the region. For instance, a six-vehicle collision on May 19 in Bluffton resulted in one fatality and several injuries. Increasing the safety of U.S. 278 is also a priority, as the Mackay Creek Bridge currently holds a condition rating of 4 out of 10, which has spurred discussions about its replacement.
Plans are currently in discussion to enhance the safety of Highway 278 bridges near Hilton Head Island, with a deadline for resolutions set by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) by March 31, 2025. The proposed plan includes constructing a new three-lane eastbound bridge while keeping the existing westbound bridges operational. The South Carolina State Infrastructure Bank may potentially provide nearly $120 million in funding for the project, pending agreement.
In addition to the traffic safety measures, the Beaufort City Council is considering changes to golf cart regulations to improve safety. Proposed changes include allowing nighttime driving, requiring seatbelts, and designating specific road types for golf cart use. Golf carts will be permitted on designated roads with speed limits under 35 mph, provided they are registered with the SCDMV and a $5 permit decal from the city is obtained.
As traffic fatalities continue to impact communities, initiatives like “Operation Safe Drive 278” aim to create a safer environment for all drivers and passengers on U.S. 278.
FAQs
What is “Operation Safe Drive 278”?
“Operation Safe Drive 278” is a weeklong traffic safety initiative focused on increasing police presence on U.S. 278 in Beaufort and Jasper counties to target issues like speeding and violations of the new “hands-free” law.
When does the initiative take place?
The initiative will run from Monday to Saturday.
What does the new “hands-free” law prohibit?
The “hands-free” law prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a cellphone or electronic device while driving.
What happens during the six-month adjustment period for the “hands-free” law?
During the six-month adjustment period, violators of the hands-free law will receive warnings. Tickets will begin to be issued from March 1, 2026.
What recent events prompted this initiative?
This initiative follows a tragic month in which three state troopers were struck by vehicles during traffic stops, including one fatality.
Key Features of Operation Safe Drive 278
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | Monday to Saturday |
| Focus Areas | Speeding, improper lane changes, turn signals, hands-free law compliance |
| Hands-free Law Implementation | Prohibits handheld devices while driving; warnings for six months, tickets start March 1, 2026 |
| Agency Collaboration | Includes South Carolina Highway Patrol, local Sheriff’s Offices, and Police Departments |
| Recent Tragedies | Includes incidents involving state troopers and fatal accidents on U.S. 278 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Traffic Safety Initiative
- Wikipedia: Traffic safety
- Bluffton Today: Six-Vehicle Accident in Bluffton
- Google Search: Beaufort traffic accidents
- WJCL: Highway 278 Expansion Meeting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Highway
- WCTI: Traffic Pattern Changes on US 264
- Google News: Beaufort traffic updates
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
