Ticketing blitz expected for lawbreaking drivers during “Operation: Keep Us Safe”
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Officers are calling it “Operation: Keep Us Safe” — a new week-long initiative to help address the recent string of troopers who were struck by drivers while performing traffic stops.
After Trooper Dennis Ricks died on August 13th and two other troopers, Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty and Senior Trooper Mitchell Williams, Jr., were injured after being hit by drivers, Col. Christopher Williamson believes drivers just can’t be bothered to follow the law.
“I don’t know how to get through to people to care about what’s going on outside of their phones, their own vehicles and their own world. But I do know that their lack of attention, their lack of good judgement, and their lack of regard for other human life has got to stop,” Williamson says.
Through “Operation: Keep Us Safe,” officers across the state have been informed to begin a ticketing “blitz” — and become vigilant in pulling people over for violating South Carolina’s “Move Over” and “Hands Free” laws.
“Move over or pay the consequences. It’s really just that simple,” says Williamson.
Beginning Monday, drivers will see law enforcement working in pairs, as well as digital reminder signs along the highways.
Williamson says drivers should remember to put down their cell phones, pay attention, slow down, and move over when you see flashing lights. And if you are pulled over, place a safe distance between your vehicle and the highway.
“We’ re putting the earnest and the ownership back on the motoring public. Our guys get out here everyday and enforce the laws to keep people safe so they can make it home to their families. All we asking the public to do is do their part and keep the officers safe while they do their job,” says Williamson.
Master Trooper Devin Kugler was hit by a driver. He says the recovery process is physically, emotionally, and mentally draining –but the thought of getting back out there made it worth it.
“Even to this day, I still have to recover daily every single day since my accident back in October of 2022. And being able to put this uniform on is a blessing because I know how hard it took for me to get it and I don’t easily want it taken away from me,” says Kugler.
However other officers weren’t as fortunate. Lois Rao lost her 33-year-old son, Trooper Michael Rao, to a distracted driver in 2002.
“We had to prepare for all the things that parents don’t want to prepare for — to bury their son. Please please motorists, slow down and move over. Its so so important it costs a life,” she says.
“We can stand here, we can have this press conference, we can put plans together, we can put signs out, but the key to this and saving lives is getting the motoring public to obey the signs, obey the plans, and to obey everything we’ve pushed out here today,” says Williamson.
