Expect a heavier police presence on US 278 near Bluffton this week. Here’s why.
Drivers taking U.S. 278 through Beaufort or Jasper counties should expect a heavier-than-usual police presence as several law enforcement agencies team up for a weeklong traffic safety initiative.
Dubbed “Operation Safe Drive 278” and taking place Monday through Saturday, the effort is aimed at targeting speeding, improper lane changes and turn signals, and violations of South Carolina’s new “hands-free” law, which took effect at the start of September.
And in the wake of three state troopers being struck by vehicles during traffic stops within a month, one fatally, the initiative will also focus on penalizing violators of the state’s “move over” law. It requires drivers to slow down or switch lanes away from a stopped emergency vehicle when approaching one.
The hands-free law prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a cellphone or other electronic device with any part of their body. Exceptions are made for drivers who are lawfully parked or stopped, using a voice-activated device or reporting an emergency or traffic hazard.
Violators of the hands-free law will receive only warnings during a six-month adjustment period. Starting March 1, police will begin writing tickets.
Operation Safe Drive 278 is a joint effort by the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Bluffton Police Department and Hardeeville Police Department.
“While all traffic violations will be enforced, there is a special emphasis on violations related to South Carolina’s Move Over and Hands-Free laws,” according to a BPD press release.
Five people have been killed in collisions on U.S. 278 in Beaufort County so far this year. The latest fatal crash happened last weekend near the main entrance to Sun City Hilton Head.
This story was originally published September 22, 2025 at 2:07 PM.
