Upstate experiencing more Roadway Deaths

The tri-county area of Upstate South Carolina is experiencing more roadway fatalities this year. According to the latest figures from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Anderson County lists 57 deaths in 2016 compared to 32 in 2015 at this same time. Pickens County reports 17 in 2016 and 16 in 2015. Oconee County has experienced 10 roadway fatalities in 2016 compared to 12 in 2015 at this time. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports that as of Dec. 18, 2016, 946 people have died on state highways, compared to 949 highway deaths during the same time period in 2015. Of the 613 motor vehicle occupants who have died statewide in 2016, 308 were not wearing safety belts. Through midnight Dec. 18, 132 pedestrians have died compared to 120 in 2015; 133 motorcyclists have died compared to 136 in 2015; and 25 bicyclists have died compared to 16 in 2015 on state roadways.