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…