In November, South Carolina appeared to be headed for a record year in highway deaths. Nearly 1,000 people had died on state roads, compared with 889 the year before. And the holiday season, the worst time of the year for traffic deaths, lay just ahead.

Thankfully, the state did not set a new record, but 2005 still was the third-worst year ever for traffic fatalities. At least 1,084 people died in traffic accidents last year, only three fewer than were recorded in 1987 and 15 fewer than in 1972, the year the highest number of deaths was recorded.

So, why should we expect fewer deaths in 2006? For one thing, the state enacted a new primary seat belt law last year. Now, officers may pull over any vehicle whose occupants are not buckled up.

The punishment is anemic -- a $25 fine with no affect on one's driving record -- but the new law is likely to make people think twice about failing to buckle. The state's rate of seat belt use currently is among the lowest in the nation, and if more people would comply with the new law, lives will be saved.

In another crucial area, Gov. Mark Sanford has proposed a big increase in the number of state troopers patrolling our roads. Sanford has asked for an additional 100 troopers in his proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins June 1. That should mean more citations and a greater deterrent to speeding, one of the primary causes of accidents, which also could save lives.

The only good thing about last year's traffic fatality rate is that it leaves lots of room for improvement.