COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – The South Carolina Department of Transportation is asking for input on the agency’s Rural Road Safety Program, an project aimed at reducing traffic deaths.
In 2017, SCDOT began a 10-year plan, with one of its four focus areas being the rural safety program.
According to the agency, South Carolina once had the highest traffic fatality rate in the country, with nearly 60% of deaths occurring on rural roads.
“We can’t ignore it,” said Jae Mattox, the director of traffic engineering at SCDOT.
SCDOT said completed projects have helped reduce fatal crashes and serious injuries by 30%, with road departure crashes down 54%.
The department is now focusing on 13 routes across the state, with hopes that residents will weigh in with information that data doesn’t provide.
“If [residents] got other ideas or other countermeasures that we should consider as part of these projects, we’re always open for that feedback,” Mattox said.
Mattox explained that the projects will go before the Department of Transportation Commission in December. If approved, construction could begin early next year.
Currently, the agency does not have timelines for how long each project will take.
The public comment period began Tuesday and will run through Monday, Nov. 9.
Comments may be submitted online, by email, and by mail to the Public Involvement Director at 955 Park Street, P.O. Box 191, Columbia, SC 29201.
