Over the July 4th holiday weekend in 2016, 11 people across South Carolina were killed in traffic crashes, according to the latest reports from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS). This reportedly marks a nearly 58 percent increase in the number of traffic-related deaths when compared to the data from 2015, when 7 lives were taken in fatal crashes.
This spike in traffic fatalities – as well as the year-to-date totals for traffic deaths across the state – is starting to spark major concerns among transportation safety and law enforcement officials in South Carolina.
Fatal Traffic Crashes in South Carolina: A Closer Look at the Data
Taking a closer look at the preliminary traffic crash reports indicates that, over the 78-hour July 4th holiday period, the deadly wrecks that occurred in South Carolina involved:
- 2 pedestrians and 3 motorcyclists
- At least 2 motorists who were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash
- Auto collisions on either U.S. routes or South Carolina roads (rather than interstates or county roadways).
In reporting these findings, authorities also shared the following fascinating (if not distressing) data about the year-to-date totals for deadly traffic accidents in South Carolina. So far in 2016 in South Carolina:
- 460 people have been killed in fatal traffic crashes – This reflects a nearly 3 percent drop in the incidence of deadly auto accidents in South Carolina when compared to the same period last year (i.e., January through July 4th in 2015).
- More than 48 percent of the victims of fatal motor vehicle accidents were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash – Here, it’s important to note that buckling up can reduce the risk of suffering fatal injuries (when collisions happen) by as much as 50 percent.
- Fatal crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists have been on the rise while deadly wrecks involving motorcyclists have been on the decline.
What do you think about these reports and the trends in deadly motor vehicle accidents in South Carolina so far in 2016? Share your opinions with us on Facebook & Google+.
Contact a Columbia SC Personal Injury Lawyer at Chappell, Chappell and Newman Attorneys at Law
If you have been injured in a traffic accident– or if you have lost a loved one to a fatal traffic crash, contact a Columbia SC personal injury lawyer at Chappell, Chappell and Newman for clear answers about your rights and recovery options. Since 1993, our lawyers have been committed to protecting the rights of injured people, providing them effective legal advocacy as we help them succeed in their financial recovery.
While no amount of money can ever replace a loved one or make up for catastrophic injuries, financial recoveries can be the key to healing, paying for essential treatment needs and being able to get through the difficult times caused by horrific traffic crashes.
Call our firm or contact us online to set up a free, no obligations initial consult with one of our lawyers. During this meeting, you can find out more about your rights, as well as how we can help you.
From our convenient office locations throughout South Carolina, our attorneys provide the highest quality legal services to injured people and families in Columbia, Alken, Camden, Sumter, Orangeburg, Greenville, Florence, Beaufort, Irmo, Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, West Columbia, Rock Hill, Charleston, Lexington, Winnsboro, Summerville, and throughout South Carolina.