COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces a preliminary number of five persons killed on South Carolina roadways during the Christmas Holiday Reporting Period, which started Friday, December 21, at 6 p.m. until Wednesday, December 25, at 11:59 p.m.  Two deaths occurred during the weekend, from Friday, December 21, at 6 p.m. until Sunday, December 23, at 11:59 p.m.

As of December 25, 979 people have died on South Carolina highways, compared to 976 highway deaths during the same time period in 2017.

Of the 680 motor vehicle occupants who have died in 2018, 345 were not wearing seat belts. 

Through December 25, 146 pedestrians have died compared to 156 in 2017; 99 motorcyclists have died compared to 115 in 2017; and 19 bicyclists have died compared to 17 in 2017 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 11:59 p.m. December 25, 2018.

For specific details on fatalities, including locations, please visit Media Access page. 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.

NOTE: The South Carolina Highway Patrol investigated 820 of the 979 traffic fatalities in 2018.
*2017 and 2018  Figures are Preliminary

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.