Crime & Safety

SC Traffic Deaths Rise Again in 2012

Richland County's 51 was the second-highest in the state.

Traffic fatalities on South Carolina roadways rose in 2012 for the second straight year, according to preliminary information from the S.C. Highway Patrol.

After the SCHP reported three New Year's deaths, the early 2012 total is 833 deaths.

That's up from 827 in 2011, which was up over 806 in 2010 — the lowest total in nearly 30 years.

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Richland County saw 51 roadway deaths last year, which is up from 40 in 2011 and 43 in 2010. It rated as the second-highest in the state, only behind Greenville County.

Despite a , there was once again a rise in 2012. Preliminary numbers found 115 pedestrians, 109 motorcyclists and 13 bicyclists died last year.

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