2012 off to a deadly start on SC highways

2012 off to a deadly start on SC highways (Added: February 03, 2012)

CONWAY, SC - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports an increase in highway deaths in the state so far in 2012. (more)

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Gas prices may have helped lower state highway deaths

Highway deaths rose in January 2012 compared to the same month last year.

By: Drew Smith | News13
Published: February 03, 2012

CONWAY, SC - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports an increase in highway deaths in the state so far in 2012.

In the month of January, 61 people died on state roadways. That's compared to 41 in the same period in 2011.

In Horry County alone, January saw three deaths. That's up from zero last year.

Horry County Coroner Robert Edge is familiar with these wrecks.

"Usually we see a car that's flipped over," Edge said. "The driver and passengers ejected from the car simply because they're not wearing a seat belt."

Of the 47 people who died while riding in a motor vehicle so far in 2012, 27 did not wear a seat belt according to a DPS news release.

These wrecks kill healthy people and breaking the unexpected news to loved ones of the victims is not easy.

"If you aren't careful you can become emotional with them and you sort of feel their pain and suffering too," Edge said.

Attorney Sydney Lynn with the Maguire Law Firm in Myrtle Beach deals with vehicle accident cases. Her experience has changed the way she drives.

"Since I have begun this profession, I have become so much more aware of what is going on around me when I'm in my car," Lynn said.

Even minor crashes can turn into a major problem. Lynn said it is best to be careful every time you drive and by avoiding distractions.

"To have injuries to body parts and to experience the type of pain that we often see in clients is really life altering," Lynn said.

Lance Cpl. Sonny Collins with SC Highway Patrol said don't be too alarmed by the traffic death numbers so far this year.

He said last year was a good year in that the numbers stayed lower than average.

2009 was the last year that January traffic deaths rose above 60.

2012 off to a deadly start on SC highways

2012 off to a deadly start on SC highways (Added: February 03, 2012)

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