On Thursday, April 16, officers from the Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) will conduct traffic saturation activities to address distracted driving and other high-risk behaviors, as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Officers will share information with drivers about South Carolina’s Hands-Free Driving Law, which went into effect late last year.
Drive Responsibly
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.
In 2024, distracted driving killed 3,208 people and injured 315,167 people, according NHTSA. For a safe ride, follow these safety tips:
- Need to send a text? Pull over and park your car in a safe location.
- Designate your passenger as your “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
- Do not scroll through apps while driving. Struggling not to text and drive? Put your cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
SC Hands Free Law
The South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act took effect on September 1, 2025. Under the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving law, drivers are not allowed 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 read, compose, or transmit texts, emails, app interactions, or website information.
- Watch motion on a mobile device, including a video, movie, game, or video call.
For more information on the SC Hands Free Law, including penalties for violations and frequently asked questions, visit https://scdps.sc.gov/handsfree.
