Senator supports roadway safety

On Sept. 1, the S.C. Department of Transportation began airing a series of public service announcements designed to reduce the number of runoff-the-road accidents and traffic deaths. The campaign touts the benefits of rumble strips, raised or grooved patterns, typically on roadway shoulders, that alert drivers they have left their lanes.
When a vehicle crosses the rumble strips, the car starts to vibrate and the tires become noisy.
For state highway officials, it’s about the three R’s and the message is simple:

• Recognize rumble strips when you see them on the roadway.
• React in a calm manner if you encounter these safety devices. Stay off the gas and off the brake.
• Recover by allowing the rumble strip to help you regain control safely.

From 2004-2008, state transportation officials estimate 54 percent of all traffic deaths in South Carolina involved a vehicle leaving the roadway. During that period, 2,794 people died in such crashes, according to the state transportation department.
A runoff-the-road crash occurs about every half hour somewhere in the state, state transportation officials say. And, at least one person dies everyday in South Carolina in such a crash.

South Carolina, state highway officials say, ranks in the top 10 states for the highest percentage of runoff-the-road traffic deaths.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, deaths resulting from runoff-the-road accidents are a serious problem in the country. Federal officials say 70 percent of these deaths occur on rural highways and nearly 90 percent occur on two-lane roads. And, the majority of these accidents happen at night.
Many factors contribute to drivers leaving the roadways and getting into these accidents, officials say. Driver fatigue and drowsiness can be an issue. In other cases, inattentive, careless or distracted driving can cause motorists to leave the roads. Drivers may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Or, they simply may be trying to avoid an object in the road.

State transportation officials say rumble strips can reduce runoff-the-road crashes by 80 percent. Rumble strips, federal officials say, are more cost efficient than many of the other road safety features, including guardrails.

That’s why state transportation officials are planning to install rumble strips on 600 miles of interstate and on 1,000 miles of primary routes.
So, when you’re out there driving, in addition to minding your P’s and Q’s, remember your three R’s. And, drive safely.

Contact Sen. Williams at his Columbia office located at 602 Gressette Office Building at (803) 212-6008 or by fax at (803) 212-6011. His district office is located at 137 Airport Road, Suite J, Mullins, SC 29574, the phone number is (843) 423-8237 and the fax number is (843) 431-6049 or email

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Sen. Williams’ business phone is (843) 423-3904.