South Carolina Highway Deaths Up Slightly Through July

The Public Safety Department says deaths on South Carolina highways are up slightly in the first seven months of 2011.

Authorities said Monday that 462 people have died on the state’s roads through July 31. In 2010, troopers reported 447 traffic fatalities.

If the trend continues, South Carolina would see the first increase in traffic deaths since 2007.

Charleston County leads the state in 2011 with 32 fatalities. Greenville County has reported 31 deaths, with 28 traffic deaths reported in both Lexington and Horry counties.

Lee and McCormick counties have reported the fewest traffic fatalities, with one in each county so far this year.