In recent years, the fatality rate on South Carolina roads has steadily risen. In the most recent preliminary report released by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS), so far in 2015, there have been 535 fatal crashes, which are 96 more than the 439 reported crashes in 2014. A total of 578 people have died this year, whereas 474 people died last year. The Greenville News stated that the leading factors that have caused an accident are driving too fast, DUI and failure to yield right of way.
Although that number may seem like a lot, it is much lower than before the Target Zero driving safety campaign was launched. Target Zero was created by DPS to try to combat the issues that result in the loss of lives on the road. According to WISTV, in December 2004, a month prior to the campaign taking off, it was reported that around 956 people died during the year, due to driving accidents. The main goal is to get that number down to 0.
The S.C. Legislature did pass legislation this year strengthening the DUI laws, with what is known as Emma’s Law. Governor Haley signed the bill into law this fall, and Palmetto Scene brought the story to our viewers several months ago.
Article by Amanda Highland