Other areas: Speeding is up since COVID-19 started. South Carolina: Not so fast, my friend
With fewer cars on the road, some might think to hit the gas. But, South Carolina drivers are resisting the urge to put the pedal to the medal.
Or at least they’re not getting caught.
While other areas of the country reported an increase in speeding, South Carolina is bucking that trend, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol data.
COVID-19 restrictions have led to numerous closures across the U.S., South Carolina and in the Myrtle Beach area. That includes the “work or home” executive order that was in place for most of April. There was a noticeable drop in the number of cars on local roads in the last two months, but that is picking up in Horry County as more businesses reopen.
As businesses were closed and people stayed at home, speeding citations saw a dramatic drop.
In March 2019, Horry County drivers received 1,450 speeding citations from highway patrol troopers, according to agency data. That figure dropped to 861 this year. April saw an even more stark change as it went from 1,329 citations in 2019 to 171 this year.
Statewide there were 13,851 speeding citations issued in March 2019 and 7,241 this year. In April, the state went from 11,555 last year citations to 2,774 in 2020.
S.C. Highway Patrol Cpl. Matt Southern said Highway Patrol officials were surprised by the decrease in citations. The restrictions meant Horry County saw a decrease in the number of cars coming to the beach, Southern said. There was also less driving by locals as they stayed at home to slow coronavirus’ spread.
“We really didn’t have that influx of traffic,” Southern said.
While traffic decreased, Southern said Highway Patrol maintained its traditional staffing levels. In addition to looking for speeders, troopers also responded to car wrecks, which could tie up COVID-19 resources such as ambulances or hospital beds.
As the reopenings continue, Southern noted that speed plays a factor in many car crashes and urged people to do the speed limit. That way drivers can avoid citations, fines and points against their driver’s license.
