Road safety remains a pressing concern in South Carolina, and a recent fatal crash in Orangeburg County has further intensified conversations about the growing number of roadway tragedies. On December 5, 2025, a Penske box truck traveling along Interstate 95 was involved in a devastating single-vehicle crash near mile marker 89. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash occurred in the early morning hours, leaving the driver dead at the scene, the kind of commercial vehicle incident that truck accident lawyers often review when determining liability in fatal highway crashes.

This incident, which remains under crash investigation by the Highway Patrol, contributes to the rising number of motor vehicle accident reports seen throughout the state. While the cause is still under review, the tragedy sheds light on the harsh realities of highway travel, especially during low-visibility hours when driver fatigue, road conditions, and unexpected hazards frequently play a role.

Early Morning Crash on Interstate 95

The collision took place around 4:25 a.m. on Friday, December 5. A 2023 Penske box truck was traveling south on Interstate 95 in Orangeburg County, near mile marker 89. At that location, the truck ran off the right side of the highway and struck a tree. The impact caused catastrophic injuries, and the driver, who was the sole occupant, died before emergency response teams could transport them.

The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene to examine the cause of death and complete the required reporting. The Coroner’s Office later confirmed that the driver died from blunt force injuries, consistent with what occurs in violent highway impacts.

Officials from the South Carolina Highway Patrol and SC Highway Patrol units, including support from the Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team, are continuing their review.

Why Single-Vehicle Crashes Happen on South Carolina Highways

A single-vehicle crash on a major route like I-95 can result from several issues. Investigators often look at:

• Fatigue due to early-morning travel
  
• Low visibility before sunrise
  
• Sudden lane departure
  
• Speed too high for conditions
  
• Wildlife movement
  
• Weather or road surface issues
  
• Overcorrection
  
• Tire or mechanical malfunction
  

This is far from the first tragedy involving a commercial truck on South Carolina interstates. Similar incidents have occurred near mile marker 86, LaChance Drive, Gladys Road, and other rural corridors previously linked to serious collisions. In neighboring areas like Colleton County, the Combahee River region, and Hampton County, severe crashes, including head-on collision events and multiple vehicle wreck reports, have also contributed to rising fatality numbers.

Road Safety Issues Across South Carolina

The December 5 fatality adds to a growing list of traffic accident cases across South Carolina State highways. Recent months have seen a concerning uptick in:

• Motorcycle crash events near rural intersections
  
• multi-vehicle crash incidents involving pickup trucks, tractor-trailers, and a Chevrolet SUV
  
• Crashes near exit ramp areas
  
• Deadly collisions in Jasper County, Williamsburg County, and North Charleston
  
• Severe incidents near U.S. routes such as U.S. Highway 301 and U.S. 301
  

Each case underscores the ongoing need for improved traffic safety and safer driving practices across the state.

Interstate 95: A High-Risk Travel Corridor

Interstate 95 is one of the busiest transportation routes in the country. Passing through Orangeburg County, it carries heavy freight activity, travelers heading to Florida, and local communities moving between counties. The combination of commercial trucks, high-speed drivers, and long-distance travel makes I-95 a known hot zone for:

• Fatigue-related accidents
  
• Nighttime crashes
  
• Vehicle control loss
  
• Roadway departure collisions
  

Large trucks, including rental carriers like the Penske box truck, face unique challenges such as wider turning radius, heavier weight, and reduced ability to correct once off the roadway. When such vehicles collide with fixed objects like trees, light poles, or concrete barriers, the devastating results often include blunt force trauma and immediate fatality.

Emergency Response and Scene Investigation

Once reports of the I-95 crash were received, emergency response teams rushed to the scene. Troopers conducted a detailed scene investigation, documenting tire marks, debris patterns, impact points, and vehicle condition to determine exactly how the crash occurred.

The investigation also involved agencies that frequently coordinate with the state, including the Department of Social Services when families need support, and institutions like Memorial Hospital or Prisma Health Greer Memorial Hospital when non-fatal injuries require treatment.

In this particular case, because the driver died at the scene, the hospital transport phase did not take place, but these facilities have played key roles in other recent crash responses across the state.

Connections to Other Recent Crashes in South Carolina

Several recent incidents involving the South Carolina Highway Patrol highlight how unpredictable road conditions can be:

• A Chevrolet SUV overturn incident in Delmar Delaware, investigated by the Delaware State Police, showed how minor steering changes can cause major rollovers.
  
• A Multiple vehicle wreck on Gladys Road in Colleton County involved serious injuries.
  
• A tragic motorcycle crash near Jarod Washington Drive resulted in a fatality.
  
• A head-on collision near Combahee River in Hampton County claimed multiple lives.
  
• A Forklift accident in a rural warehouse area resulted in an industrial fatality.
  
• A wildfire near a camper caused a camper fire fatality close to the county line.
  
• The ongoing Workers’ Comp cases and injury lawyers involvement around trucking incidents show how widespread safety issues are.
  

Each event demonstrates that roadway and work-related hazards are not isolated. They are part of a larger pattern affecting communities throughout South Carolina.

South Carolina’s Increasing Traffic Fatalities

As roadway deaths continue to rise statewide, officials across South Carolina State emphasize safer driving habits, infrastructure improvements, and awareness programs. In other regions, including Newberry County, Jasper County, and North Charleston, the number of fatalities this year has surpassed or closely approached previous records.

In Orangeburg County, the involvement of the Orangeburg County School District and county planners reflects efforts to improve community safety education, particularly regarding high-speed rural highways.

Additional Notable Mentions (Inserted Naturally)

Recent news and statewide activity show how diverse South Carolina’s landscape of safety issues is:

• The National Park Service issued travel advisories following collisions near recreational zones.
  
• The New York Times highlighted South Carolina’s rising traffic deaths in a national report.
  
• Public figures like Speaker Mike Johnson have discussed federal roadway funding.
  
• In cultural news, events like the American Bowl and Golden Globe drew increased holiday traffic to certain regions, contributing to a surge in demand for transportation and leading to more holiday shoppers crowding highways.
  
• In legal updates, terms such as personal injury, Product Liability, Class Action Settlement, Burn Injury Lawsuit, Military class action, and Insurance bad faith remain prominent in broader safety discussions.
  
• Infrastructure issues related to Bridge collapse news across the nation also bring attention to roadway safety.
  

All these subjects connect back to a single theme: traffic safety remains a critical issue across South Carolina.

About Ted Law Firm

At Ted Law Firm, continues to serve as a steady resource for individuals and families confronting the impacts of catastrophic roadway events across South Carolina. When tragedies strike on highways like Interstate 95, people often need information, support, and direction as they navigate difficult circumstances.We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. Ted Law Firm remains committed to providing that guidance and helping community members stay informed, aware, and confident as they take their next steps.Contact us today for a free consultation.