COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) - It seems that every day we are telling you about deadly traffic accidents in the Upstate, but are there really more now than there used to be? The State's Department of Public Safety released statistics for last year. South Carolina Highway Patrol said they saw a decrease in statewide collisions in 2024.Master Trooper William Bennett said it is important that Highway Patrol continues to teach drivers the laws. "The numbers are a reflection of our efforts, and that we are saving lives. What we're doing is making a difference," Bennett said. SCDPS said fatal crashes not only fell 9% in 2024, but they are at the lowest level in at least seven years. In fact, deadly accidents are down for the fourth consecutive year and are now down 18% from a peak in 2021. James McClendon is a South Carolina driver and said that he drives all over the country for his job. He believes by Highway Patrol educating younger drivers we'll get closer to target zero. "If the state patrol and the sheriff's departments are doing that, telling the younger and younger drivers that's how they need to drive, pay attention to everything," McClendon said. "Not just one thing, it will bring fatalities down." Master Trooper Bennett agrees that target zero is their main goal. "We're all guilty at times of, you know, it's easy to go over the speed limit or maybe pick up your phone and look at it going down the road," Bennett said. "Nobody's perfect, but we really do need to try to reduce these things as much as possible." Master Trooper Bennett said they can already see South Carolina moving closer to that goal because as of January 6, collisions are already down so far in 2025 compared to 2024.