A new report by High Rise Legal Funding found that in 2021 the Palmetto State experienced 190 pedestrian deaths, accounting for just under 15% of all traffic incidents that year. It was the 17th highest percentage in the U.S.
That percentage was consistent with the share of pedestrian deaths South Carolina had seen over the past decade, with 15% of traffic deaths (1,458 in total) taking place between 2012-2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s fatality analysis reporting system (FARS) — the source for the study.
According to the report, the largest number of fatalities occurred in the holiday months of October, November and December with more than 2,000 fatal accidents happening in December alone between 2018 and 2021.
“The holiday period covering Thanksgiving and Christmas is one of the most dangerous times of year for pedestrians,” said a spokesman with High Rise Legal Funding. “This is due to more people traveling to visit family and friends or going out to celebrate.”
Other findings in the study indicated that people from 55 to 69 years old were the most susceptible to traffic-related deaths (1,872 of the 7,388 total fatalities nationwide in 2021 were people in that age group) and that nighttime was the most treacherous time to be a pedestrian (over 50% of pedestrians were killed between 6 p.m. and midnight).
South Carolina pedestrian deaths, however, did trend downwards in 2023, with 159 fatalities occurring all year, a 13% drop from 2021’s total.
High Rise Legal Funding still recommends people traversing on roads outside of a vehicle should remain cautious.
“It is essential for pedestrians and drivers to practice caution when going out at the weekend or for holidays,” said a High Rise Legal Funding spokesperson. “Reducing the length of time on or near the road will help to increase safety.”
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