COLUMBIA, S.C. — Seven people were killed in traffic collisions across South Carolina during the New Year’s holiday travel period, according to preliminary data released by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
The reporting period began at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. The total marks a decrease from the same holiday period last year, when nine fatalities were reported statewide.
The Department of Public Safety noted that two of the seven fatalities occurred on Dec. 31, 2025.
As of Jan. 4, traffic fatalities reported statewide since Jan. 1 totaled five, compared with eight at the same point in 2025, 11 in 2024 and 18 in 2023, according to preliminary county-by-county data.
Officials cautioned that all figures are preliminary and based on fatal collisions reported to the Department of Public Safety as of 11:59 p.m. Jan. 4. Fatality information is subject to confirmation by county coroners.
For more information, the public is encouraged to contact their local Highway Patrol community relations officer.
