COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces a preliminary number of nine persons killed on South Carolina roadways during the Fourth of July holiday reporting period, which started Friday, June 30, at 6 p.m. and concluded Tuesday, July 4, at midnight.

As of July 4, 2017, 495 people have died on South Carolina highways, compared to 504 highway deaths during the same time period in 2016.

Of the 355 motor vehicle occupants who have died in 2017, 169 were not wearing safety belts. 

Through midnight July 4, 67 pedestrians died compared to 69 in 2016; 50 motorcyclists died compared to 69 in 2016; and nine bicyclists died compared to 13 in 2016 on state roads and highways. 

Editor’s note: These numbers are preliminary and are based on fatal collisions compiled by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety as of midnight July 4, 2017.

For specific details on fatalities, including locations, please visit https://www.schponline.com/Media/Fatalities.asp.  The site is designated for media use and only reflects information on fatal collisions investigated by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. Please do not publicize this site--the information is preliminary and is meant to be used as a guide only. For confirmation on fatality information, please contact the appropriate county coroner’s office.

For more detailed information on archived traffic fatality reports, please contact Laura Caskey, (803) 896-9402.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, Immigration Enforcement Unit and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors. www.scdps.gov