Collision Reduction Enforcement Plan Data gathered in the state shows that 809 people lost their lives on South Carolina’s roadways in 2014. That number is up from the 765 car accident deaths reported in 2013. The data indicates that speeding, driving under the influence and failing to wear seat belts are the top three reasons for last year’s traffic fatalities.

Most of these deaths occurred during the winter holidays and the summer. These are the peak times for families to travel, which puts more vehicles on the roads. The data also lets law enforcement agencies know where the most impaired drivers and speeders are typically concentrated. The release of this data gives the South Carolina Highway Patrol the opportunity to remind people to buckle up and to warn drivers that troopers will be on the lookout for speeders and impaired drivers this year.

The goal is to stop the upward trend of deaths in traffic accidents. Some families of victims claimed by the roadways may argue that this effort comes too late for their loved ones. That may be true, but if it is possible to save even one life going forward, a family may be spared the anguish suffered by those who lost family members last year.

Even though it will not bring a victim back to his or her family, those who lost loved ones in 2014 due to the negligence of another may exercise their rights to file wrongful death suits against the party or parties deemed responsible. If negligence is satisfactorily proved, the court may award monetary damages often seen in car accident deaths to the family of the deceased as restitution for the financial impact of their loss. This could help a family achieve a sense of justice and closure.

Source: live5news.com, “SC driving fatality numbers up for 2014“, Michal Higdon, Jan. 1, 2015

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Steven M. Krause

Steven Krause is a personal injury, auto accident, and workers’ compensation lawyer who practices in Anderson, SC. He graduated form the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law and has been practicing law for 40 years now. Steven Krause believes in fighting for the injured. Learn more about his experience here.