COLUMBIA--A joint statement released by Transportation Secretary H.B. “Buck” Limehouse and South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) Director Mark Keel announces that employees of both agencies are prohibited from sending or reading text messages while operating state vehicles effective January 28.

The ban imposed by both agencies is an effort to improve highway safety by reducing the chances of driver distractions. “Our top priority at SCDOT is making our highways safer through engineering. However, our employees must contribute to their own safety and the protection of other drivers by giving full attention to their driving while on the job,” said Limehouse.

SCDPS Director Keel said this policy is important because of the increasing numbers of crashes, injuries and deaths related to texting. “Our Highway Patrol troopers have seen the tragic results of what can happen when a driver is texting. I support this ban for our employees because SCDPS and SCDOT have an obligation to take the lead in cutting down on driver distractions and making our highways safer in all aspects.”

Both agencies have offices and employees who work in all 46 counties of the state.