Traffic deaths down in South Carolina as ‘100 Deadliest Days of Summer’ continue, troopers say

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — South Carolina troopers say fatal crashes are down this year, and they’re hoping the trend continues through what is typically the most dangerous stretch of the year on the roads.

As the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” continue, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when deadly crashes spike, especially among younger drivers, the South Carolina Highway Patrol says it’s already seeing a significant decrease in fatalities.

Corporal Nick Pye said preliminary numbers show more than 120 fewer people have died on South Carolina roads in 2025 compared to time last year.

“Since the start of 2025, we’ve seen, thankfully, a decrease in fatal collisions and those that lost their lives on our roadways,” Pye said.

He credits that drop to a combination of factors, including stronger collaboration between state and local law enforcement, safer vehicle technology, and what he believes is a more safety-conscious public.

“Our job is just not to write tickets. Our job is not just to take people to jail. Our job is also one of our key values at the Department of Public Safety, and that’s education,” he said. “Every time we interact with the public, even if it’s pulling someone over or speaking at a gas station, we could be saving a life.”

But Pye said that doesn’t mean troopers are slowing down this summer. Distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving are still causing preventable tragedies.

He’s especially urging drivers to plan ahead as the Fourth of July holiday approaches.

“Just make that good choice. If you’re planning Fourth of July plans now, don’t forget about planning that ride or that designated driver or staying at someone’s house,” said Pye.

For Pye and others in law enforcement, the drop in fatal crashes is meaningful, but the work continues.

“The less that we can go knock on someone’s door at one or two o’clock in the morning and tell their loved ones they’re no longer with us, the better it is for everybody,” he said.

Troopers say these numbers are preliminary and could shift, but they’re hopeful this summer will continue trending in the right direction.