Driving Dangers Create Liabilities for Cities and Towns

Vehicle crashes remain the most likely way a person can die on the job. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics found that in 2017, 40 percent of employees who died in the workplace died in transportation-related incidents. 

South Carolina, unfortunately, ranks high among the states with the deadliest highways. In 2017, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that at 1.8 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, South Carolina led the nation in this category. The national average was 1.16 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles. The state also recorded 19.7 motor vehicle fatalities per 100,000 of its population, ranking it third in that category. 

Also during 2017, the South Carolina Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund received auto liability claims that resulted in more than $3.5 million in total costs. The average cost per claim was $8,800. Auto liability claims are claims filed as a result of damages and injuries from another party, so these numbers do not include the damages incurred to the city’s and town’s vehicles. 

Automobile accidents continue to be the leading cause and cost of employee injuries in the South Carolina Municipal Insurance Trust. These accidents account for 10 percent of the employee injuries in the SCMIT pool, but accounted for approximately 25 percent of the claims cost in 2017. 

The liabilities of driving for cities and towns are the reason why SCMIT and SCMIRF are offering a joint summer training on defensive driving, taking place July 11 in West Columbia. Session topics address issues that can turn up in claims, like speeding, aggressive driving, following too closely, distracted driving and lane management. The course has no cost to attend for members, but registration is first-come, first-served, and closes July 5.

Get Ready for the Annual Meeting

In a little over a month — July 18 to 21, to be exact — the Municipal Association’s Annual Meeting will arrive in Greenville. 

For those who want to take an early look at some of the sessions planned for city and town officials to learn and find inspiration for their hometowns, several previews are now available: 

• This May Uptown article takes a look at preconference opportunities and breakout sessions. 
• Eric Budds, the Association’s interim executive director, joined the City Quick Connect podcast to talk about the schedule, including sessions on community partnership building for law enforcement as well as opportunity zone investments. 
• Bridge building between police and their communities is going to be a theme at several sessions. Kassy Alia Ray of the nonprofit organization Serve & Connect will explain that group’s role in outreach efforts around the state. Read more in this Uptown article. 

Attendees can also take advantage of the Annual Meeting app. Download the app from either the App Store or Google Play by searching for MuniAssnSC. Event information will continue to be added to the app as the meeting approaches, including details on the agenda, speakers and fellow attendees.