Five people were killed on South Carolina roadways over the 2025 Memorial Day weekend, according to preliminary figures released Tuesday by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
The holiday travel period, which began at 6 p.m. Friday, May 24, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 26, saw one fewer traffic fatality than the same weekend in 2024, when six people lost their lives.
The department emphasized that the numbers remain preliminary and are subject to change as additional data is collected and verified. For final confirmation, the agency advises contacting the appropriate county coroner’s office.
Locally, Clarendon County has reported four traffic fatalities so far in 2025 — up from three at this time in 2024. Though far from the highest total in the state, it marks a slight year-over-year increase following previous declines. Clarendon recorded 11 fatalities by this point in 2023 and eight in 2022.
Statewide, more than 400 people have been killed in traffic collisions since the start of the year. A year-over-year comparison of January 1 through May 26 shows mixed results across South Carolina’s 46 counties.
Darlington County leads the state with 18 fatalities in 2025 — more than quadrupling its total from the same period in 2024. Horry County follows closely with 25, maintaining its position among the highest due to heavy tourist and beach traffic.
Other counties with high death tolls include Berkeley and Charleston, with 16 deaths each, and Greenville with 15. Florence County has also seen a sharp increase, reporting 14 deaths compared to six at this time last year.
Some counties have reported no fatalities this year, including Allendale and Barnwell.
The Department of Public Safety continues to urge drivers to remain vigilant, avoid impaired and distracted driving, and wear seatbelts as traffic volumes increase during the summer season.
For additional information or questions about local traffic fatality statistics, contact your Highway Patrol Community Relations Officer at 803-896-8144.
