There has been a spike in Lexington County traffic fatalities this year, according to data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

There have been 62 deaths on Lexington County roads in 2018. That is 20 more fatalities than were recorded at the same time period in 2017. There have been 44 traffic fatalities recorded in Richland County, that is five less than at the same time in 2017.

Greenville County leads the state with 69 fatalities reported. Spartanburg County is second with 67. Lexington County is third in the state.

Statewide, as of Dec. 9, SC DPS said 940 people have died on South Carolina highways, compared to 930 highway deaths during the same time period in 2017.

Of the 649 motor vehicle occupants who have died in 2018, 333 were not wearing seat belts, said SC DPS.
Through Dec. 9, DPS reported 141 pedestrians have died on SC roads compared to 147 in 2017; 96 motorcyclists have died compared to 113 in 2017; and 19 bicyclists have died compared to 16 in 2017 on state roads and highways.