My daughter was 20 years old when she lost her life on Highway 378 in Marion County. It was August 28, 2024, and she was on her way home from the beach. Fatigued, she fell asleep at the wheel, crossed the yellow line, and collided head-on with another vehicle. Her life ended instantly that morning. The driver of the other car, a young man aged 24, succumbed to his injuries two weeks later in the hospital. If Highway 378 had been broader with a median, she might have woken up before crossing onto the opposing lane. With an extra lane, the other driver might have had a chance to avoid the collision. But this is not just about my daughter; it concerns the safety of all who travel on Highway 378.

According to SCDOT, every day, approximately 35,000 people risk their lives on this road - individuals going to the beach, truck drivers transporting goods, local commuters, and farmers with their equipment. The highway features sharp curves and maintains only two lanes, making it an ideal spot for dangerous overtaking and heartbreaking accidents. With four lanes in the other counties, Marion is the only County where Highway 378 narrows down to two.

So, I plead with everyone who reads this petition and Marion County authorities to act immediately. Widen Highway 378 to four lanes with a median. Make the highway safer for every individual on it and allow our loved ones to return home safely every day. It's time to avoid such tragic losses. Please, sign this petition and join in our demand for a safer Highway 378.