News Summary
Preliminary data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety shows a significant decline in traffic fatalities for the first half of 2025, with 331 deaths reported by June 8, the lowest midyear total in four years. South Carolina observed a 29% decrease in fatalities compared to the previous year. Despite this positive trend, ongoing risks are highlighted by several tragic accidents, emphasizing the need for continuous road safety measures.
Columbia, South Carolina – Preliminary data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety reveals a significant decrease in traffic fatalities for the first half of 2025, with only 331 deaths reported by June 8. This figure marks the lowest midyear total in at least four years, illustrating a promising trend towards improved road safety in the state.
To provide context, South Carolina experienced a much higher number of fatalities at this time in previous years: 465 in 2024, 459 in 2023, and 454 in 2022. This adjustment in numbers indicates a 29% decline in fatalities compared to last year’s count for the same timeframe. However, the Department notes that these figures are preliminary and still require local coroner confirmation to finalize numbers.
Despite this encouraging reduction, recent tragedies highlight the ongoing risks faced by drivers in South Carolina. Over the weekend of June 6-8, three individuals lost their lives in a significant collision involving a wrong-way driver on Interstate 85 in Spartanburg County. The incident included three vehicles: a Honda sedan, a Toyota sedan, and a Ford SUV. The deaths occurred on the scene, with the victims identified as Nicholas Sinclair Young (36), Venustiano Rosendo Dionicio (49), and Diana Ortega Vargas (47).
Additionally, just two days later, on June 10, another tragic accident involved a motorcycle and a truck, resulting in the deaths of the motorcycle driver and a passenger, who succumbed to injuries after the crash. These incidents underscore the importance of ongoing safety measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Spartanburg County has been reported as the deadliest county in South Carolina for 2025, with 35 fatalities so far. Other counties experiencing significant fatalities include Horry (27), Richland (19), and both Charleston and Greenville, with 18 fatalities each. Comparatively, Spartanburg County’s fatalities have decreased from 60 in 2024, indicating progress, yet it continuously ranks high in the number of traffic deaths year-over-year.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety has cited various causes for accidents across the state, attributing approximately 50% of fatalities to DUI-related incidents. Further concerns have been raised about distracted driving and speeding, which are deemed preventable causes of crashes. These statistics paint a concerning picture, even as overall traffic deaths show signs of decline.
A bar chart compiled by the Department illustrates a breakdown of annual traffic fatalities across several counties from 2022 through 2025, underscoring the fluctuations in traffic safety throughout the state. Although the reduction in fatalities is a positive sign, the agency acknowledges that each number reflects a lost life and altered family dynamic, reminding the public of the human impact behind the statistics.
Moreover, the Real-Time Traffic system has been discontinued, shifting drivers to rely on the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s 511 system for current road conditions, which is crucial in preventing accidents caused by poor visibility or other hazards.
As South Carolina navigates these recent developments, state officials continue to emphasize the necessity for road safety and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing fatalities even further. The downward trend in traffic deaths is a hopeful sign for safer travels, though continued vigilance and responsible driving remain critical components in ensuring the safety of all road users.
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- WSPA
- Google Search: traffic accidents South Carolina 2025
- Manning Live
- Google Scholar: traffic fatalities South Carolina
- WRDW
- Encyclopedia Britannica: road safety
- The State
- Google News: traffic deaths South Carolina 2025
Author: HERE Greenwood
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