Highway Fatalities increasing in Upstate

Two of the three counties in the tri-county area of Upstate South Carolina are experiencing an increase in the number of traffic fatalities this year. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports that Anderson County has experienced 28 in 2016 compared to 15 in 2015. Pickens County lists 10 in 2016 and 6 in 2015. Oconee County reports seven in 2016 and nine in 2015 during the same period. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports as of July 17, 2016, 490 people have died on state highways, compared to 510 deaths during the same time in 2015. Of the 327 motor vehicle occupants who have died in 2016, 162 were not wearing safety belts. Through midnight July 17, 64 pedestrians have died compared to 62 in 2015; 68 motorcyclists have died compared to 77 in 2015; and 11 bicyclists have died compared to nine in 2015 on state roadways.