New Message Shines Light on Protecting Workers and Drivers in South Carolina Highway Work Zones

July 25, 2024

Whether you are traveling for business or summer vacation, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles reminds travelers to always drive safely in work zones.

South Carolina is putting a renewed emphasis on safe driving in construction work zones. The SCDMV joins law enforcement and other state agencies in reminding travelers to slow down and obey all signs in construction areas, especially when crews are present.

“Let’s make sure everyone gets home safely this summer, including the workers who are out there in our work zones,” says Kevin Shwedo, executive director of the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles.

A new presentation available on the agency’s website, SCDMVonline.com, highlights the concerning rise in work zone injuries and fatalities. The presentation, available on YouTube, also features construction and law enforcement professionals talking about the risks of speeding and inattentive driving in work zones.

“There is someone else’s family member across the barrier,” Eric Yates, an Environmental Health and Safety Manager for the Balfour Beatty construction firm, says in a featured video.

The presentation is part of an enhanced emphasis on work zone safety under Act 182 of 2024, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster on May 20, 2024.

While vehicles continue to gain new safety features for drivers and passengers, vehicle-related injuries and fatalities are rising in work zones. Too often, that is a result of drivers not following the law and not heeding the designated signs that give drivers advance warning of road work ahead.

Entering a work zone, orange and black signs are set up to inform drivers in advance, including advising of lowered speed limits. If asked to merge, drivers should do so as soon as they see the sign, which helps keep workers and drivers safe.

Speeding fines are increased in work zones in South Carolina, especially if the speeding contributes to an accident in which a worker is hurt or killed. Fines can reach $1,000 for speeding in a work zone when workers are present. If a worker suffers great bodily injuries because of a speeding infraction, the fine can mount to $5,000.

As part of Act 182 of 2024, content emphasizing work zone safety has been added to the curriculum for all state-licensed driver training schools in South Carolina.