COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. – A quiet stretch of rural roadway in Colleton County turned into the scene of tragedy early Saturday morning when a single-vehicle crash claimed the life of a local driver. Authorities with the South Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed the fatal incident occurred shortly after midnight on Benton Farm Road, a rural two-lane road located about five miles north of Walterboro.
Master Trooper William Bennett, spokesperson for the South Carolina Highway Patrol, reported that the crash took place at approximately 12:15 a.m. The driver of a 2012 Chevrolet SUV, whose identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin, was the sole occupant of the vehicle when it veered off the right side of Benton Farm Road. In a tragic sequence of events, the driver overcorrected, ran off the left side of the road, and collided head-on with a tree.
Emergency responders from Colleton County Fire-Rescue and the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene within minutes of the 911 call. Despite their rapid response, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Deadly Roadway
Benton Farm Road, a narrow, winding route cutting through farmland and pine forests, has long been a concern for local residents, particularly at night. The road, unlit and bordered by thick woods and drainage ditches, can prove treacherous for motorists unfamiliar with its curves and sudden drops.
“We’ve responded to a number of accidents along that stretch over the years,” said Colleton County Fire-Rescue Chief Barry McRoy. “At night, visibility is poor, and if you lose control — even for a second — there’s very little shoulder or runoff space to recover safely. It’s unforgiving terrain.”
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Colleton County has recorded an uptick in single-vehicle crashes on secondary roads in recent years. In 2024 alone, more than 30 percent of the county’s traffic fatalities involved vehicles leaving the roadway, with speed, fatigue, and distracted driving listed as contributing factors in many cases.
Investigation Underway
Trooper Bennett indicated that investigators are working to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash. At present, it’s unknown whether speed, impairment, or weather conditions played a role. Preliminary reports noted dry road surfaces and clear skies at the time of the accident, eliminating inclement weather as an immediate factor.
As part of standard procedure, an autopsy and toxicology report will be conducted by the Colleton County Coroner’s Office to ascertain whether alcohol, drugs, or a medical event contributed to the fatal incident.
“We want to be thorough in cases like this,” said Bennett. “Even when there’s only one vehicle involved, it’s important to look at every possible cause so we can learn from it and hopefully prevent future tragedies.”
Community Reaction
News of the fatal accident spread quickly through the small, tight-knit community surrounding Walterboro. Many residents took to social media on Saturday morning to express condolences and share memories, though the victim’s name has not been publicly released.
“Prayers for the family,” wrote one local woman on a Colleton County community Facebook page. “So heartbreaking to hear. Everyone please slow down and be safe on these back roads.”
Others used the incident as a somber reminder of the need for safer infrastructure in rural areas. Benton Farm Road, like many secondary roads across South Carolina, lacks street lighting, significant shoulder space, and guardrails in some areas.
“This isn’t the first life we’ve lost out there,” noted a Walterboro resident who declined to be named. “We’ve asked the county for years to improve safety along that road — widen it, add reflectors, anything. Maybe now they’ll finally listen.”
Statewide Concerns
South Carolina has long struggled with road safety, particularly in its rural counties. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), South Carolina consistently ranks among the states with the highest roadway fatality rates per capita.
In 2023, the state reported 1,094 traffic deaths — a 4 percent increase from the previous year. Notably, over 60 percent of those fatalities occurred on secondary and rural roads like Benton Farm Road.
Experts point to a combination of factors: older infrastructure, higher rates of distracted driving, and a culture of high-speed travel on poorly lit, two-lane roads.
“South Carolina’s rural road network is beautiful, but it’s also deadly,” said transportation safety advocate Darnell Jacobs. “The curves, the darkness, and the lack of barriers or modern safety features make them dangerous, especially for younger drivers or those unfamiliar with the area.”
A Growing Push for Action
Following several high-profile accidents in Colleton County in the past two years — including a fatal motorcycle crash last November and a double-fatality rollover accident in January — local officials have been calling for increased funding for road improvements.
In early 2025, the Colleton County Council submitted a proposal to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) requesting priority status for several of the county’s highest-risk roadways, including Benton Farm Road. The proposal included recommendations for widening shoulders, adding reflective signage, and implementing targeted speed enforcement measures.
County Council Chairwoman MaryBeth Hughes issued a statement following Saturday’s incident, expressing condolences and reaffirming the county’s commitment to addressing road safety concerns.
“We are heartbroken by this tragic loss of life,” Hughes said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim. This incident underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements along our rural roads, and we will continue to advocate for resources and solutions to protect our community.”
A Stark Reminder
As the community mourns the loss of one of its own, officials hope the tragedy serves as a stark reminder for motorists to exercise caution, particularly on rural roads late at night.
“Slow down, buckle up, and stay focused behind the wheel,” urged Trooper Bennett. “Even on familiar roads, accidents can happen in an instant. Every life lost on our roads is one too many.”
The South Carolina Highway Patrol asks that anyone who may have witnessed the crash or the events leading up to it contact their tip line at 1-800-768-1505.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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