April 9-13, 2026 | Put the Phone Away or Pay Enforcement Campaign

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety call on drivers to take a proactive role in road safety by following and spreading this message: Don't Drive Distracted. Eyes Forward.

According to NHTSA, 16,384 people died and about 1.7 million people were injured in distraction-affected crashes from 2019 to 2023.

In 2023 alone, there were 3,275 people killed in traffic crashes involving at least one distracted driver, accounting for 8% of all traffic fatalities that year. An estimated additional 324,819 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers in 2023.

With all the apps, texts, and notifications on mobile phones today, it can be tempting to take your eyes off the road while driving. Let’s remind drivers about the Hands-Free SC law and that checking that text or email is never worth the risk when you're behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.

April 14-20, 2026 | 420 If You Feel Different, You Drive Different Drug-Impaired Driving prevention campaign  

Drug-impaired driving has become an increasing danger on our nation’s roads. In recent years, several states have created new laws allowing marijuana use on a recreational or medicinal basis, which has made discussing the issue of impaired driving even more important. NHTSA has launched the If You Feel Different, You Drive Different campaign to educate Americans about the dangers of driving while impaired by drugs and to promote safer choices. The If You Feel Different You Drive Different campaign reminds drivers that drug-impaired driving isn’t a mistake; it’s a crime.

The national If You Feel Different, You Drive Different drug-impaired-driving prevention campaign urges drivers to understand the importance of sober driving, and to remind those who drive under the influence of drugs, whether obtained legally or illegally, pose a danger to themselves, their passengers, and other road users.

Relevant, timely messaging is an important addition to any communication plan, as it creates an opportunity for engagement with the community. Marketing materials for the campaigns and additional information related to distracted driving and drug-impaired driving are included above.

As outlined in the Special Conditions of your grant award, all regular enforcement subgrantees are required to support and, as appropriate, conduct enforcement and/or educational activities in conjunction with Distracted Driving Awareness Month (April).

Thank you for helping keep South Carolinians safe on our roads and highways.