Authorities in Pickens County, South Carolina, have confirmed the death of a 71-year-old man following a single-vehicle crash on Friday night. The accident highlights the dangers of rural roads and the importance of roadway safety practices.
Crash Details
The Pickens County Coroner’s Office reported that the crash occurred around 8:20 p.m. Friday in the 1000 block of Jones Mills Road.
The victim, David Ricky Morris of Six Mile, was driving a recreational vehicle when it ran off the road and went down a ravine. He was ejected into an embankment and died at the scene. Officials confirmed that Morris was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
No other vehicles or passengers were involved, and no additional injuries were reported.
Emergency Response
Emergency personnel from the Pickens County Coroner’s Office, the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), and the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.
The coroner’s office officially ruled the incident an accident. The wreck remains under investigation by SCHP and the coroner’s office to determine what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
Helmet and Safety Equipment
Authorities noted that Morris was not wearing a helmet when the crash occurred. In recreational vehicles and motorcycles alike, helmets play a critical role in reducing the risk of severe head trauma.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), helmets reduce the risk of head injury by nearly 70% in crashes involving motorcycles and similar vehicles. The absence of protective equipment significantly increases the chances of fatal outcomes when accidents occur.
Rural Roads and Increased Risk
The crash occurred on Jones Mills Road, a rural road typical of many in South Carolina. Such roads often present greater hazards due to:
- Sharp curves and limited visibility
- Steeper embankments and uneven terrain
- Lack of guardrails or lighting
- Higher driving speeds without divided lanes
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), nearly half of all fatal crashes in the U.S. occur on rural roads, even though rural traffic volumes are significantly lower than those in urban areas.
South Carolina Crash Statistics
Traffic safety continues to be a major concern in South Carolina. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has reported alarming figures:
- As of September 7, 2025, at least 607 people had died on South Carolina roads this year.
- In 2024, the state recorded 948 roadway deaths, among the highest per-capita fatality rates in the nation.
- In Pickens County alone, there have been 13 crash-related deaths in 2025 so far. The county saw 17 roadway fatalities in 2024.
These numbers underscore the urgency of safe driving practices and stronger awareness campaigns across the state.
Preventing Similar Accidents
While investigations continue into the exact cause of this crash, traffic safety experts emphasize several key practices that can reduce risks:
- Use Safety Equipment – Helmets, seatbelts, and protective gear are proven to reduce fatal injuries in accidents.
- Drive Defensively – Anticipate curves, hidden driveways, and sudden hazards on rural roads.
- Control Speed – Many single-vehicle crashes are linked to loss of control at higher speeds.
- Avoid Fatigue or Impairment – Drowsiness and alcohol remain significant contributors to rural roadway accidents.
- Stay Alert at Night – Crashes after dark are more likely to be severe due to reduced visibility and slower emergency response times.
Community Impact
The death of David Ricky Morris marks another loss for the Pickens County community. Beyond statistics, each roadway fatality represents a family facing sudden grief and a community coping with the loss of a neighbor, friend, or loved one.
First responders and law enforcement agencies continue to stress that tragedies like this one are often preventable. By making safety a priority, drivers and passengers alike can help reduce the toll of crashes on South Carolina roads.
Final Thoughts
At Ted Law Firm, The fatal Pickens County crash illustrates once again how quickly accidents can turn deadly, particularly on rural roads and when safety equipment is not used. As investigators continue their work, the broader lesson is clear: seatbelts, helmets, and defensive driving save lives.We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg.
With roadway deaths already numbering in the hundreds this year, South Carolina faces an urgent need to promote safer driving behaviors statewide. Every individual decision behind the wheel or as a passenger plays a role in preventing future tragedies. Contact us today for a free consultation
