SC Roads Had Safest August in 37 Years

On Wednesday, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) reported that records were set in August for lower numbers of traffic fatalities on the state’s highways. The preliminary data shows that for the first time in 2012 the number of deaths fell below the total for the same time period in 2011.

According to SCDOT:

Forty-five fatalities were reported for the month of August, which is 17 less than August last year. It's the lowest total for August since 1975 and 10 percent below the four-year average. In addition, the August 2012 figure is 50 percent under the 10-year average of 84 deaths for the month of August.

As of August 31, the number of fatalities on all public roads in South Carolina stands at 526 for 2012. The fatality report for the same period of time in 2011 recorded 543 deaths. 

Secretary of Transportation Robert St. Onge attributed the reduction in highway deaths to teamwork among public agencies.

“SCDOT engineers are maximizing the resources available to them to improve the safety of roads and intersections that need improvements. We also commend the efforts of state and local law enforcement agencies that are stepping up their efforts to crack down on violators. We also appreciate those drivers who take the time to be safe by buckling their seatbelts and drive defensively,” said St.Onge.