Latest news with #SCDPS
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Who goes first? What SC drivers need to know about right-of-way and yield laws
From stop signs to traffic lights and even when leaving your neighborhood, yield laws are almost always at play when you're on the road. While on paper, these laws can seem pretty simple, but sometimes when you're behind the wheel, all the rules can be easily confused. Who stopped first? Can I turn at this light? Who is supposed to go first? Yield laws are everywhere when driving, so no matter if you're a new driver or just want to brush up on the rules, here's what South Carolina drivers need to know about yield laws and how they help keep everyone safer on the road. According to the latest traffic collision data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, there was a total of 143,426 traffic collisions reported across the state in 2022. The total number of collisions caused by failure to yield the right of way in South Carolina adds up to a total of 29,040 accidents, which are responsible for over 8,000 injuries and 99 fatalities, making it the second top cause for collisions in the state. In Beaufort County, 3,726 total traffic collisions were reported in 2022, with 964 accidents caused by a failure to yield the right of way, accounting for 25.8% of collisions. Failure to yield the right of way is the number one cause of accidents in Beaufort County, according to the SCDPS. Distracted driving and driving too fast for the road conditions follow close behind as the second and third top causes for collisions. With failure to yield being one of the leading causes of accidents in Beaufort County and across the state, here is a breakdown of yield laws in South Carolina and what drivers should know before getting behind the wheel. At an Uncontrolled Intersection (No Signs or Lights) When approaching an intersection with no traffic signals or signs, every driver must yield to the driver who was already there. The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. Two Cars Arrive at the Same Time at an Uncontrolled Intersection If you and another car arrive at the same time from different roads, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. Turning Left Let oncoming traffic pass before turning left at an intersection, driveway, alley, etc. Yield to vehicles coming straight from the opposite direction if they are close enough to be a hazard. Stop Signs At a stop sign, come to a full stop. Then, yield to any traffic in or approaching the intersection. Yield Signs At a yield sign, slow down and prepare to stop if needed. You must yield to traffic already in or closely approaching the intersection. Entering a Road from a Driveway or Parking Lot When entering a road from anywhere other than another road, like a driveway or parking lot, you must yield to all traffic already on the road. Cars already on the road have the right-of-way. Green Light Go, but yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection, no matter if you are turning right, left or continuing straight. Yellow Light Slow down and prepare to stop. If the intersection is safe and clear, you may pass, but don't enter unless you can make it through. Red Light Stop and yield to all traffic. You may turn right on red after stopping unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to traffic and pedestrians before turning. Emergency vehicles You must always give the right of way to ambulances, police vehicles, fire engines or other emergency vehicles when their sirens or flashing lights are engaged. Pull to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so. Do not pull over in an intersection. Pedestrians in Crosswalks If there are no traffic lights, you must yield to pedestrians crossing or entering at a crosswalk or intersection. Pedestrians must be given the right of way. If you are a pedestrian, do not suddenly walk out into traffic. If there is a school bus, you must yield the right of way to children entering/exiting a bus under all conditions. Bicyclists and Bike Lanes Drivers must yield to cyclists in bike lanes and not block bike lanes when turning or parking. Cyclists must use the bike lane, unless passing or avoiding hazards. Through Highways A through highway is one where other roads must yield before entering (usually marked by stop or yield signs). If you're on a main road with signs at intersections, others yield to you. For a look at all yield laws and traffic situations, here is a further breakdown: Traffic Situation Who Yields? Arriving at the same time (no signs) The driver on the left yields Turning left Yield to oncoming traffic At a stop sign Stop, then yield if traffic is coming At a yield sign Slow or stop, yield to traffic Entering from the driveway Yield to all road traffic Pedestrian in a crosswalk Yield to pedestrians; they have the right-of-way Green light Yield to vehicles & pedestrians already in the intersection Bike lane Yield to cyclists, don't block the lane No matter if you're a new driver or just want to brush up on the rules of the road, right-of-way yield laws are crucial to staying safe on the road. To learn more about South Carolina's road laws, click here to view the Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
SC is now a hands-free state. What that means, what to know
South Carolina's new hands-free law is here and that means no more texting, scrolling or holding your phone while behind the wheel. Gov. Henry McMaster signed into law the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act on May 12, marking a significant step toward enhancing road safety across the state. While this act does not take effect until Sept. 1, this legislation aims to reduce accidents caused by mobile device distractions, aligning South Carolina driving laws with over 30 other states. So before you buckle up and hit the gas, make sure your phone's out of sight. According to the latest available traffic collision data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, there was a total of 143,426 traffic collisions reported across the state in 2022. The total number of collisions caused by distracted driving in South Carolina adds up to a total of 9,240 accidents. What about Beaufort County? In Beaufort County, 3,726 total traffic collisions were reported in 2022, with 877 accidents caused by distracted drivers, accounting for 23.5% of accidents. Distracted driving makes up one of the top three causes of accidents in Beaufort County, according to the SCDPS. While the Palmetto State has banned texting and driving since 2014, this new law prohibits drivers from using mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle, with specific exceptions. A 'mobile electronic device' is defined as any portable electronic device capable of providing data or voice communication, including smartphones, tablets, GPS receivers, electronic games or other stand-alone devices. Under the law, drivers are not permitted to: Hold or support a mobile device with any part of their body. This does not prohibit the use of an earpiece or device worn on the wrist used for 'voice-based communication.' Use a mobile device to write, send or read text-based communications. Watch motion, including a video, movie, game or video call. Violating the provisions of the Hands-Free Act can result in the following penalties: First Offense: A fine of $100. Second or Subsequent Offenses: A fine of $200 and the addition of two points to the driver's license. The law takes effect on Sept. 1 to allow residents time to adjust to the new requirements and ensure compliance. During the first 180 days after the law takes effect, officers will only issue warnings for violations. Violations of this act are classified as summary offenses and do not lead to arrest unless the individual fails to appear in court or pay the imposed fine. While South Carolina is cracking down on distracted drivers, the Hands-Free Act includes several exceptions for the use of mobile devices. The exceptions include: Using a device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode. Using a mobile device to listen to audio-based content, such as navigation services, music or podcasts, provided the device is not held or supported by the driver. Using a mobile device to report a traffic accident, hazardous road conditions or a medical emergency. The law does not apply to law enforcement officers, firefighters or emergency medical services personnel while performing official duties. These exceptions are in place to ensure that the law does not impede necessary communication during emergencies or official duties. The SCDPS offers tips and guidelines to encourage and support drivers to avoid distractions of all kinds. These include: Put away your phone when behind the wheel. Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers. Avoid eating while driving. Be sure children are properly and safely buckled up. Properly secure pets in a pet carrier or portable kennel. To learn more about the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, click here.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
One dead, two injured in Anderson Co. crash
ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – One person was reported dead following a crash in Anderson County, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS). At 12:20 a.m., authorities were called out to US 76 at Rice Street, approximately 1 mile east of Anderson. The SCDPS stated that a 2002 Honda Accord was traveling west on US 76, when the car traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree. Upon arrival, three occupants were found in the vehicle. All three occupants were sent to a nearby hospital, where one succumbed to their injuries. The identity of the deceased has not been released at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
