SC Highway Deaths Lowest Since 1987

If you follow my car accident blog, it may seem as if they are plentiful and often, but according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the number of highway vehicle deaths in 2010 were one of the lowest in years.

The SCDOT is anticipating the number of highway fatalities to stay below the 800 mark by the end of this year, according to news reports. The 800 death mark has only occurred twice in the last 47 years – in 1963 and 1987, according to SCDOT records.

As of Monday, there were 755 car accident deaths, meaning the public has 11 more days of safe driving to reach the record. “Transportation Secretary H.B. Limehouse Jr. is urging all drivers to be extra cautious on the highways as the peak travel time for the holiday season begins this week,” according to news reports.

Last year, the final death toll from highway accidents totaled 851.

“The loss of one life is tragic, but the history-making figures for 2010 reflect the efforts of our SCDOT staff to improve the safety of our roads, and the efforts of our partners at the SC Department of Public Safety to step up enforcement,” said Limehouse.

As a South Carolina car accident attorney , I’m glad to hear the public is practicing safe driving habits and reducing the number of fatal car accidents. The research also shows an increase in seatbelt use and child restraint seats, which add to the reduction of deaths.