The total number of South Carolina traffic fatalities has decreased in 2018. Compared to the 400 deaths by May of last year, there were 367 traffic deaths reported so far this year. Lexington County’s numbers have not followed suit. The average number of deaths at this time in the year is 14 to 16. There have been 34 traffic fatalities in 2018. It’s the highest number of any county in the state. Second is Spartanburg County, with 29 fatalities. Why the increase? South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Lieutenant Bob Beres said 57 percent of Lexington County’s traffic fatalities have been due to driving under the influence. “When we see an upward trend in fatalities, that is always troubling for us because they are not just numbers, those lives lost are people’s family members,” he said. Anyone who notices an impaired or reckless driver on the road can report the vehicle by calling *HP.