SC Traffic Deaths Rise Again in 2012

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.

Lexington County saw 48 roadway deaths last year, which was down from 52 in 2011. But it still rated as the third-highest in the state, behind Greenville and Richland counties and tied with Spartanburg.

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