FATALITY REPORT: DPS REPORTS NINE KILLED

ON SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAYS DECEMBER 13 - 15

COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces a preliminary number of nine people killed on South Carolina highways from Friday, December 13, at 6 p.m. until Sunday, December 15, at midnight.

Two pedestrians were struck and killed Friday evening, one in Berkeley County and one in Greenville County. One person died Friday evening in Abbeville County after the vehicle in which he was riding ran off the road and struck several trees. One person died in a head-on collision Friday night in Greenville County. One person died Friday night in Sumter County after running off the road and striking a tree. One person died Saturday morning in Clarendon County after running off the road and striking a tree line. Two people died early Sunday morning in Orangeburg County after running off the road and striking several trees. A motorcyclist died Sunday evening in Dorchester County after colliding with another vehicle. A driver in one of the fatal collisions has been charged with felony DUI and alcohol is believed to be a factor in at least one other fatal collision.

As of December 15, 976 people had died on South Carolina highways, compared to 1027 last year at this time. Of the 785 motor vehicle occupants who have died so far this year, 558 were not wearing seat belts.

Interstates	1
US routes, SC routes and secondary roads	8
Seat belt used	0
Seat belt not used	6
Seat belt usage not applicable	3 (2 pedestrians and 1 motorcyclist)

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Criminal Justice Academy, Division of Motor Vehicles, Highway Patrol, Office of Highway Safety, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services and Office of Justice Programs. DPS has more than 2,600 employees in offices statewide. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.

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JB/147/2002