The South Carolina Highway Patrol and State Transport Police, both SCDPS law enforcement divisions, will have a larger contingent of officers than normal on the highways as the 100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T. campaign draws to a close.

Troopers will place a special emphasis on interstate travel beginning Friday as motorists enjoy one last summer holiday. The State Transport Police will focus on commercial motor vehicle safety and compliance.

Nine out of 10 motorists in South Carolina wear their safety belts – the highest recorded usage rate in state history – according to a recent survey by the University of South Carolina.

Officials at the SC Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) credit enforcement and public education efforts with the record 90.5 percent usage rate – the first time the rate has climbed higher than the 90 percent mark.  SCDPS commissioned the June survey following the Memorial Day Buckle Up, South Carolina (BUSC) safety belt campaign.

“This record-setti