Kershaw Co. to Place Crosses at Accident Sites After Record Traffic Deaths

CAMDEN, S.C. (WOLO)– Last year, 19 people lost their lives on roads in Kershaw County. With six traffic deaths already occurring in the county this year, Sheriff Jim Matthews and Coroner David West say they had to do something.

“We’re going to start now in 2017, putting crosses where people have lost their lives on our roads and where we can’t put up a cross, we will paint one on the roadway itself,” said Sheriff Matthews.

Officials say the cross initiative was was done years ago in the county but they are bringing the program back, hoping it will make a difference now.

“If somebody is riding down the interstate and sees this cross and they slow down and keeps driving slower, it saves one life,” said  Coroner West.

The first cross will honor the life of Matthew Boland, who died after his car hydroplaned on New Years Day.

“This will help in some way to make one person conscious of the way that they drive then that’s our hope and a blessing for our family,” said Matthew’s father, Eric Boland.

Authorities hope to erect Boland’s cross on a tree near I-20 where he lost his life.

Victim’s names will not be added on the crosses unless the family grants permission. Sheriff Matthews says no county funds or tax dollars will be used for this project. Lowe’s and Brad’s Muffler Service will donate supplies for the fixtures. Students from Kershaw County Vocational Center will build the crosses.