South Carolina’s roadways saw a significant improvement in safety over the past year, marking a departure from the high fatality rates seen in the early 2020s. According to preliminary year-end data released by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS), 152 fewer people lost their lives on state highways in 2025 compared to the previous year.
The total number of traffic-related deaths for 2025 reached at least 880, a notable decrease from the 1,032 deaths recorded in 2024. This downward trend suggests a stabilizing of road safety following a period of heightened danger during the post-pandemic years.
The 2025 figures represent the lowest fatality count in the state in four years. For context, South Carolina saw over 1,000 deaths annually between 2022 and 2024, peaking at nearly 1,100.
Yearly Fatality Comparison:
| Year | Total Roadway Deaths | Change from Previous Year |
| 2025 | 880 | -152 |
| 2024 | 1,032 | -6 |
| 2023 | 1,038 | -43 |
| 2022 | 1,081 | N/A |
The primary driver behind the lower death toll was a substantial drop in the number of fatal vehicle collisions. Total fatal wrecks across the state fell from 946 in 2024 to 826 by late December 2025.
State officials attribute the overall reduction in deaths to several factors, including a lower frequency of high-speed collisions and improved safety outcomes in multi-vehicle accidents. While the 2025 numbers remain preliminary, they offer a hopeful outlook for the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance highway safety through increased enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
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