August 10, 2025

Beaufort County Traffic Deaths Decline

News Summary

Beaufort County has experienced a decrease in traffic fatalities, reporting thirteen deaths as of August 7. This is down from seventeen during the same timeframe last year. The fatalities include various road users and highlight ongoing roadway safety concerns. Notably, two hit-and-run cases remain unsolved. The reduction in deaths contrasts with South Carolina’s ranking for roadway safety, underscoring the importance of continued safety measures. An interactive map has also been introduced to showcase the locations of these fatalities.

Beaufort County Reports Thirteen Traffic Fatalities in 2025

Beaufort County has recorded thirteen traffic-related fatalities as of August 7, 2025, marking a decline from seventeen deaths reported by the same date in 2024. The fatalities include three pedestrians, two motorcyclists, and two bicyclists, with the majority of fatal collisions occurring on major highways such as U.S. 278, U.S. 21, and S.C. 170.

Among the fatalities, two deaths are associated with suspected hit-and-run incidents, wherein no arrests have been made yet. These tragic occurrences highlight ongoing concerns about roadway safety within the region.

Summary of Fatal Incidents

On August 5, 2025, a fatal wreck near Bluffton resulted in the death of 51-year-old Waldo Mercado, who was a pedestrian from Argentina. The incident, which involved a Toyota Rav 4 striking a trailer and two individuals near a disabled Jeep Compass, also caused injuries to two other people. Earlier, on July 6, 2025, a 35-year-old pedestrian named Rhonda Randall was killed after being struck by two southbound SUVs on U.S. Highway 21. The same day, a bicyclist named Vick Smalls, 50, was fatally struck by an unknown vehicle that fled the scene.

Trends in Traffic Fatalities

The 2025 figures indicate a downward trend in traffic deaths compared to previous years. By early July, the total number of fatalities had reached nine, compared to 15 during the same period in 2024, 13 in 2023, and 10 in 2022. The total number of traffic fatalities in the region in 2024 stood at 26, which aligns with historical averages.

Despite this year’s reductions, South Carolina continues to rank among the top ten states in roadway deaths relative to its population, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures. While Beaufort County is witnessing fewer fatalities compared to heavier population centers such as Charleston, Greenville, and Spartanburg counties, ongoing efforts to ensure road safety remain crucial.

Interactive Map Availability

An interactive map is now available to the public, allowing them to view the approximate locations of each roadway death in 2025. Users can access more detailed information by clicking on specific markers on the map, providing greater insight into traffic incidents within the county.

This report will be updated as new fatalities occur, with the aim to keep the community informed about roadway safety issues and trends in Beaufort County. As reports of tragic incidents arise, the call for heightened awareness and preventative measures on the road becomes increasingly vital.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic Collision Claims Life of Pedestrian in Bluffton
Tragic Accident on Bluffton Parkway Claims One Life
Flash Flood Warning Issued for Beaufort County
Severe Thunderstorms and Crane Incident Disrupt Traffic
Bluffton Traffic Collision Results in Fatality and Heightened Concerns
Multiple Traffic Accidents in Beaufort County Result in Casualties
Serious Accidents Cause Traffic Disruptions in Beaufort County
Major Multi-Vehicle Collision Claims Two Lives and Injures 26 in Colleton County
Driver Killed in Collision with Tree on Hilton Head Island
Fatal Collision in Hilton Head Claims Driver’s Life

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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