Slight Increase in Local Traffic Fatalities

The tri-county area of Upstate South Carolina is experiencing a slight increase in the number of people killed in traffic accidents. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports Oconee County with 13 in 2017 compared to 10 in 2016 at this same time. Pickens County lists 18 traffic fatalities in 2017 and 16 in 2016. Only Anderson County has seen a decline in roadway deaths with 35 reported in 2017 compared to 49 in 2016. As of Oct. 15, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces 755 people have died on state highways, compared to 793 highway deaths during the same time period in 2016. Of the 516 motor vehicle occupants who have died in 2017, 254 were not wearing seat belts. Through midnight Oct. 15, 108 pedestrians have died compared to 114 in 2016; 94 motorcyclists have died compared to 115 in 2016; and 14 bicyclists have died compared to 21 in 2016 on state roadways.