My family recently suffered an unimaginable loss. Jacob, my vibrant and kind-hearted nephew, was tragically killed in a car crash just months before his 22nd birthday. He had so many dreams and plans for the future, and his life was cut short in an accident that could have been prevented.

The crash was caused by another driver’s reckless behavior. Despite being clearly at fault, the driver faced only minor charges—improper lane passing and simple possession of marijuana—because he was neither intoxicated nor speeding excessively. Jacob’s car was moving at just 10 mph while attempting a left turn when the other driver illegally passed on the left side at 55 mph, crashing into him and sending his car into the water. The person responsible for Jacob’s death walked away with minimal legal consequences, leaving our family heartbroken and frustrated.

This tragedy exposes a serious gap in South Carolina law. Current laws fail to hold drivers accountable for deadly accidents caused by negligent behavior unless they are under the influence or speeding excessively. South Carolina has one of the highest rates of fatal crashes in the country, with over 1,000 lives lost last year alone, many in circumstances like Jacob’s.

We urge lawmakers to adopt legislation similar to North Carolina’s “misconduct leading to death” laws, which hold individuals accountable when wrongful or reckless actions result in fatalities. This would:

Ensure drivers whose negligence causes death are properly held accountable.
Provide justice for victims and their families.
Promote safer driving and prevent reckless behavior on our roads.
We also call for stronger traffic law enforcement and public safety campaigns to educate drivers about the risks of irresponsible driving.

By closing these legal gaps, South Carolina can prevent needless deaths, provide justice for families like ours, and honor the memory of victims like Jacob. Please sign this petition to demand that our lawmakers act now.