47 Lives Claimed by South Carolina Auto Accidents This Year

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) released new numbers on January 25 and the results are disheartening, to say the least. So far this year, 47 people have already died as a result of auto accidents within the state. Overall Comparison Although it seems high, the average of the three prior years is 52 fatalities by this time of year. The lowest number of fatalities in recent years occurred in 2013, with only 45 taking place, while 2012 topped the charts with 60. Although the 2015 numbers are preliminary, they show improvement over the most-recent confirmed yearly statistics of 863 total fatalities, which averages out to about 50 within the first three weeks of January. Pedestrians, Bicyclists, and Motorcyclists The number of fatalities includes eight pedestrians, which means we have lost two more pedestrians than we did by this time in 2014. We have also lost one bicyclist, which is equal to the 2014 results. Additionally, four motorcyclists have been killed, which is one more than last year. Seatbelts Despite the "Click It or Ticket" campaign, law enforcement agencies have been running, most of the people who died were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. A total of 33 of the 47 people who died were vehicle occupants and it was noted that 23, or nearly 70%, were unbuckled. In 2012, approximately 55% of all passenger vehicle occupants who were fatally injured did not have seatbelts on during the collision. Charleston County Auto Accidents in Charleston County have seen improvements, though. The region is only reporting a single fatality so far. There were four by the same time last year, which is also the average over the three prior years. No commonalities are emerging between the collisions at this time. However, historically, the greatest causes for fatal wrecks are alcohol, speed, and distracted driving. The SCDPS reports that there are an average of 800 fatalities per annum within the state. As such, they will continue their "Target Zero" campaign, which seeks to eliminate motor-vehicle deaths altogether. The campaign will be supported by the "W8 2 Text," "Sober or Slammer," and "Buckle Up SC" awareness programs.

Charleston Auto Accident Attorney

Target Zero is a noble cause, yet it's already too late for us to reach the goal in 2015. If you have lost a loved one on South Carolina's roadways, you may be entitled to reparations which can help cover medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses. Although no data has been released on non-fatal collisions, without a doubt this number is climbing, too. Our attorneys have decades of experience fighting for fair compensation for our injured clients as well. If you have been injured due to another driver's negligence, we may be able to help you get the funds you need to pay your doctors, seek necessary treatment, recoup lost wages, cover damage, and possibly provide for non-economic damages. Please contact us for a no-fee consultation using our online formor speak directly with an attorney by calling 1(800)610-2546.