12 killed on SC Highways over Holiday Weekend

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces a preliminary number of 12 people being killed on state roads and highways over the Memorial Day holiday weekend from Friday, May 24, at 6pm until Monday, May 27, at midnight. Preliminary numbers show this year’s Memorial Day weekend was the deadliest in three years. In 2012 and 2011, eight fatalities were recorded over the weekend holiday period in each year.  As of May 27, 259 people have died on South Carolina highways, compared to 348 highway deaths in this same time period in 2012.  Oconee County reports one highway fatality in 2013 compared to seven in 2012 at this same time.  Pickens County lists seven in 2013 and eight in 2012.  Anderson County reports nine in 2013 compared to 19 in 2012 at this same time.  Of the 185 motor vehicle occupants who have died statewide in 2013, 113 were not wearing seat belts.  Through midnight May 27, 28 pedestrians, 37 motorcyclists and 4 bicyclists have died on state roads and highways. These numbers are preliminary and are based on fatal collisions compiled by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety as of midnight May 27, 2013.