AAA: Rural roads most deadly in South Carolina

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Rural roads are the most deadly for motorists in South Carolina, according to a new study by AAA Carolinas that finds Lee County is the most dangerous for fatalities.

The motor club based its study released Tuesday on 2009 traffic deaths, the last year for which figures are available.

Lee County, followed by Marlboro, McCormick, Clarendon and Williamsburg accounted for 7 percent of the state’s 2009 traffic deaths but only 3 percent of the total vehicle miles driven.

Lee County’s fatality rate was 4.5 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. That compares with a statewide rate of 1.8 deaths per 100 million vehicles miles.

Authorities say rural roads are more dangerous because they are narrower and have lower shoulders, more curves and less traffic enforcement than major highways.