A tragic accident occurred in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, claiming the life of Jaida Gooden, a 17-year-old Edisto High School student. The fatal collision involved a 2010 Honda Accord and a 2019 Chevrolet Impala. According to officials, Gooden suffered blunt force injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by Orangeburg County Coroner Sean Fogle. The other occupant of the Honda Accord was hospitalized with serious traumatic injuries, though their current condition has not been released. If you or a loved one has been injured in this accident, a Car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation.
The incident is being investigated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Coroner’s Office, with authorities reviewing all aspects of the crash, from roadway conditions to vehicle performance. Riley Road and Mixon Mill Road, where the collision occurred, are under scrutiny as part of a detailed crash investigation.
Details of the Crash
According to Lance Cpl. Brittany Glover of the Highway Patrol, both the Honda Accord and Chevrolet Impala were traveling north on Riley Road when the Impala attempted a left turn onto Mixon Mill Road. The Honda collided with the turning Impala, sending the Chevrolet off the road where it overturned in a ditch. Emergency personnel responded quickly, and the surviving Honda occupant was transported to one of the local hospitals in the region.
The crash raises serious questions about the use of seat belts and vehicle control during sudden maneuvers. While the Chevrolet driver was unharmed, the Honda Accord occupants suffered critical injuries. The Orangeburg County Coroner and Highway Patrol are working together to determine fault and reconstruct the events.
Teen Driving Risks and Traffic Statistics in South Carolina
South Carolina has a high incidence of traffic collisions, with 145,761 accidents reported statewide in 2023. Through 2025, the Department of Public Safety reports at least 771 fatalities statewide, including 27 in Orangeburg County alone. These statistics highlight the ongoing dangers teens face behind the wheel, especially in single-car wrecks or two-vehicle collisions.
High school students, like Jaida Gooden, are particularly vulnerable due to inexperience and exposure to high-risk situations on rural roads like Riley Road and nearby Highway 178. The state continues to monitor and implement safety measures through school districts and public campaigns.
Vehicle Involvement and Safety Analysis
The vehicles involved, a 2010 Honda Accord and a 2019 Chevrolet Impala, are being examined for mechanical and safety system performance. Investigators from the South Carolina Highway Patrol are evaluating vehicle control, brake function, and overall crashworthiness.
While newer models may have integrated control modules and advanced safety features, older vehicles, including the Honda Accord, rely heavily on proper maintenance and functioning of basic systems to prevent catastrophic outcomes. Investigators are reviewing whether any trauma injuries could have been mitigated by modern vehicle safety equipment.
Crash Investigation and Reconstruction
The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office and Highway Patrol are conducting a full crash investigation. Their process includes:
- Examining Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for maintenance and safety recalls.
- Reconstructing the accident scene on Riley Road and Mixon Mill Road.
- Evaluating traumatic injuries sustained by the occupants, including blunt force injuries.
- Interviewing witnesses, including residents and nearby students from Edisto High School.
- Reviewing potential road hazards, traffic patterns, and compliance with seat belt laws.
The investigation will also assess whether environmental factors, road design, or mechanical issues contributed to the crash.
Fatal Injuries and Trauma Considerations
Jaida Gooden’s death underscores the severity of fatal injuries in high school vehicle accidents. Traumatic injuries, such as blunt force trauma, are common in collisions involving sudden vehicle impact and rollovers. In this case, the Chevrolet Impala’s off-road overturn increased the risk to occupants, highlighting the importance of vehicle safety standards and driver awareness.
Investigators are also reviewing accident reports from neighboring counties like Saluda County and Colleton County, where similar teen crash incidents have been reported. Data from the Department of Public Safety helps contextualize this tragic event within broader traffic safety trends in South Carolina.
Local Context and Community Response
The community of Orangeburg County has been shaken by this tragedy. Local schools, including Edisto High School, have offered support and counseling to students affected by the loss. School district officials and superintendent search committees are reminding families and students about safe driving practices.
Emergency responders from Colleton County Fire-Rescue, as well as local hospitals, play a critical role in minimizing casualties during accidents. Rescue tools and prompt medical intervention remain essential in rural crash scenarios.
Highway Patrol and Coroner Oversight
The South Carolina Highway Patrol works closely with the Orangeburg County Coroner to ensure a thorough accident investigation. Both agencies use advanced reconstruction techniques to determine causation, including review of vehicle control systems, potential seat belt usage, and occupant positioning during impact.
The coroner, Sean Fogle, and deputies document every detail, including fatal injuries, crash dynamics, and emergency response efficiency. Their findings contribute to public safety initiatives aimed at reducing traffic congestion and preventing similar incidents in South Carolina.
The Importance of Traffic Safety Awareness
High school drivers are at higher risk for fatal collisions due to inexperience, distractions, and rural road conditions. Awareness campaigns stress:
- Proper seat belt use
- Defensive driving techniques
- Avoiding distractions such as cell phone use
- Awareness of roadway hazards on Riley Road, Mixon Mill Road, and Highway 178
- Speed management and compliance with traffic laws
Parents, schools, and law enforcement agencies must collaborate to reduce teenage victim fatalities on South Carolina roads.
About Ted Law
At Ted Law Firm, supports families affected by fatal car accidents, including Honda Accord and Chevrolet Impala collisions.We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. Our team provides guidance on understanding legal rights, navigating investigations with the Highway Patrol and Coroner’s Office, and pursuing any potential claims after a tragic accident.Contact us today for a free consultation.
