SCDPS reports 600 people have died in traffic crashes this year

LOWCOUNTRY, Sc. (WTOC) - New data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, as of Sept. 5, showed 600 people have died in traffic crashes this year.

A high number, but South Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Justin Powell said at Thursday’s SCDOT Commission Meeting that it’s an encouraging number because there were nearly 700 at this same time last year.

This comes days after law enforcement agencies from across the state announced a week-long enforcement initiative to emphasize the “Move Over Law.” The law states that drivers approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights on have to change lanes and drive with caution.

Three state troopers were hit over the last month, and one of them died from their injuries.

READ MORE FROM WIS: ‘Operation Keep Us Safe’ to target drivers who don’t move over for blue lights in SC

Vulnerable road users (those who are walking, riding a bike, or riding a moped) are also at risk. Powell said the data showed there have been 119 deaths so far, which is a 17% decrease year-over-year as well.

“I think a testament to our work that we’re doing in terms of safety projects, but also a reflection of the enforcement efforts of our partners in law enforcement,” he said.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Bluffton Police Department, and Hardeeville Police Department are partnering to launch “Operation Safe Drive 278″ next week as well. They said it will be a week-long initiative from September 22 through Sept. 27.