Edgefield County has had its first traffic fatality in 445 days. We all knew that Edgefield County’s fatality-free streak would eventually end. Unfortunately, it ended early yesterday (Sunday) morning when 28-year-old Wesley D. Lawrence, of Modoc, died in one-vehicle crash. You can read the details at the two story links below.

Going 445 days without a traffic fatality was a tremendous accomplishment. In fact, it is a historic accomplishment for any county in our state. The last time any county in South Carolina went a calendar year without a traffic death was Barnwell County back in 1993.

The credit goes to all who have been working so hard keeping our roads safe. In particular, I want to recognize Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office, SC Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Edgefield Police Department, Johnston Police Department, and Trenton Police Department.

Don’t get disheartened, however, because the streak ended. Instead, let us mourn for Mr. Lawrence’s family and friends. And, let us start a new fatality-free streak!!!