JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
It's summertime. A time everyone heads out on the roadways to enjoy South Carolina's beauty. Before you begin your travels, please review the following statistics:
Traffic fatalities are on the rise in South Carolina. From January 1 to May 28, 2015 South Carolina experienced 349 fatalities on the roadways, a 51 victim increase over the same time period in 2014. This includes motor vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, mopeds, bicyclists and pedestrians. Of the 349 fatalities, 242 were motor vehicle occupants with seat belt capability. Of the 242, 119 people decided not to wear their seatbelts.
Here is a breakdown of Dorchester, Berkeley and Charleston Counties. Dorchester County saw an increase in fatalities from five in 2014 to 11 in 2015. Berkeley County saw an increase in fatalities from nine in 2014 to 13 for 2015. Charleston County saw an increase in fatalities from 19 in 2014 to 20 for 2015. Remember, these statistics are only from the first five months of the year.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol says contributing factors to the majority of these statistics are drinking and driving and not wearing seatbelts. To combat this, the Highway Patrol started their 100 Deadly Days of Summer campaign, which runs through Veterans Day. During this time, the Highway Patrol will increase safety check points throughout the state, ensuring motorists are wearing their seatbelts and are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Please enjoy all of what South Carolina has to offer but ensure you do everything you can do to be safe.