Summer safer on S.C. roads

Roadway deaths drop 36 percent this season compared to last year

By LEE HIGGINS

lhiggins@thestate.com

South Carolina drivers had one of the safest summers in recent history, according to the S.C. Department of Public Safety.

Fatalities on South Carolina roads declined 36 percent from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day this year compared to the same period last year, according to department figures.

The number of fatalities was 208, compared to 326 last year.

It’s also lower than any of the previous six years.

Department spokesman Sid Gaulden attributed the decrease to the mandatory seat-belt law, which took effect Dec. 9, additional highway patrol officers, visibility by state and local law enforcement and public education.

“We’re happy to see those numbers going down,” said Gaulden. “At the same time, getting it to zero could be difficult.”

In addition to fatalities, fatal collisions dropped by 33 percent. A 30 percent decline was reported in total collisions, injured persons and collisions with property damage. Collisions with injuries dropped by 28 percent. Those figures are the lowest in the last six years.

In Richland, Lexington and Kershaw counties, there were 47 percent fewer fatalities. The number this year was 18, compared to 34 last year.

In the Midlands, fatal collisions dropped by about 56 percent; total collisions, injured persons and collisions with property damage dropped by 30 percent each; and collisions with injuries dropped 29 percent.

Gaulden said the department is encouraged “that maybe we are moving in the right direction and our efforts are beginning to pay off.”

Lisa Radvansky of Columbia, whose 17-year-old son Chad died three years ago Wednesday in an accident on U.S. 76 in Marion County, said “it’s wonderful” the number of fatalities is going down.

Chad was speeding, had been drinking and wasn’t wearing a seat belt when he attempted to pass another vehicle, went off the shoulder, overcorrected and was ejected from his SUV.

Since then, Radvansky has shared Chad’s story numerous times, including as a volunteer with Families of Highway Fatalities, a group comprised of more than 20 family members of accident victims who educate the public about driving safety.

She said the drop in fatalities makes it worth the heartache to share Chad’s story.

“It makes me feel like what I’m doing and by sharing Chad’s story, he’s living on and he’s helping to reduce other deaths in the state.”

Reach Higgins at (803) 771-8570.