A tragic car accident in Bonneau, South Carolina, claimed the life of a North Charleston woman on Thursday afternoon. Authorities say the vehicle she was traveling in veered off the road and collided with a tree, underscoring once again the serious risks drivers and passengers face on rural roads in South Carolina.
Crash Details
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), the accident occurred around 2:55 p.m. on Calestown Road near Gumville Road in Berkeley County. A 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling south left the roadway and struck a tree.
The Berkeley County Coroner’s Office later confirmed the victim as Maria E. Aguilar Velasquez, 37, of North Charleston. Officials say she was sitting in the back seat without a seatbelt and died at the scene of the crash.
The driver of the Jeep survived the impact but was transported to a nearby hospital to receive treatment for injuries sustained in the accident.
Emergency Response
Authorities were alerted shortly after the crash. The Berkeley County Coroner’s Office received the call just before 3:10 p.m., and multiple emergency agencies rushed to the scene.
Responding units included:
- Berkeley County Coroner’s Office
- Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office
- Berkeley County EMS
- North Fire and Rescue
- South Carolina Highway Patrol
First responders worked to provide medical assistance, secure the crash site, and begin a preliminary investigation into the cause of the accident.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials confirmed that the crash remains under investigation by both the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Berkeley County Coroner’s Office.
While the exact reason the vehicle left the roadway is still being examined, investigators will typically look at factors such as:
- Road conditions
- Vehicle speed
- Possible driver impairment
- Driver distraction
- Mechanical issues
Toxicology results, vehicle inspections, and witness reports may also play a role in determining what contributed to this tragic loss of life.
The Role of Seatbelt Use
Troopers highlighted that Aguilar Velasquez was not wearing a seatbelt, a factor that may have contributed to the fatal outcome.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of death in a passenger vehicle crash by about 45% and the risk of serious injury by about 50%. Unfortunately, unrestrained passengers especially those in the back seat face significantly higher risks of being ejected or fatally injured during collisions.
In South Carolina, seatbelt laws require that all passengers, front and back, wear a seatbelt. Yet, non-compliance remains a recurring factor in deadly crashes across the state.
Rural Roads and Crash Risks
The accident took place on Calestown Road, a rural roadway in Berkeley County. Rural roads, while less congested, can pose heightened risks for drivers and passengers:
- Higher speeds with fewer traffic signals or stoplights
- Limited visibility due to curves, trees, and lack of streetlights
- Narrow shoulders or no shoulders at all, leaving little margin for error
- Delayed emergency response times in remote areas
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), nearly 50% of all fatal crashes in the United States occur on rural roads, despite rural areas accounting for a smaller percentage of total traffic.
Road Safety in South Carolina
South Carolina consistently ranks among the states with higher-than-average traffic fatalities. Factors include:
- Low seatbelt compliance rates
- Higher instances of impaired driving
- Speeding on rural highways
- Heavy use of pickup trucks and SUVs, which can result in severe crashes
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) continues to push awareness campaigns reminding residents of the importance
of safe driving habits, including seatbelt use, speed control, and avoiding distractions.
Preventing Similar Tragedies
The Bonneau crash is a sobering reminder of how quickly a routine trip can turn deadly. Road safety experts emphasize several preventive measures:
- Always Wear a Seatbelt – Whether in the front or back seat, buckling up can be the single most effective way to reduce the risk of death in a crash.
- Stay Focused Behind the Wheel – Avoid distractions such as phones, food, or adjusting the radio while driving.
- Obey Speed Limits – Excessive speed is a common factor in rural road crashes.
- Practice Defensive Driving – Anticipate hazards like animals crossing, sharp turns, or vehicles entering from side roads.
- Maintain Vehicle Health – Regularly service brakes, tires, and steering systems to prevent mechanical failures.
Community Impact
The loss of Maria E. Aguilar Velasquez is not just a statistic it represents the sudden heartbreak of a family and the ripple effect throughout her community. Fatal crashes leave lasting impacts, from grieving families to first responders coping with traumatic scenes.
Local safety advocates continue to stress the importance of collective responsibility: every driver and passenger has a role to play in reducing road deaths in South Carolina.
Final Thoughts
The Bonneau crash serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers present on South Carolina’s roads, particularly when seatbelts are not worn. While the investigation continues, the circumstances highlight two critical lessons: the lifesaving importance of seatbelt use and the heightened risks posed by rural road conditions.
South Carolina’s law enforcement and safety organizations remain committed to reducing roadway fatalities. However, the choices made by individual drivers and passengers buckling up, driving responsibly, and staying alert remain the most effective defense against future tragedies.
