Safety concerns persist on U.S. 278 following fatal Bluffton crash

A deadly six-vehicle crash on U.S. 278 has reignited public concern about safety along the heavily traveled corridor, which serves as the primary connection between the mainland and Hilton Head Island.

The collision occurred May 19th at the intersection of U.S. 278 and White Oak Circle. According to the Bluffton Police Department, a westbound Ford pickup truck struck two vehicles, crossed the center line, and collided with two more. One of those vehicles then hit a Chevrolet pickup driven by 43-year-old Juan Tahual-Lopez of Beaufort, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other individuals were injured.

Emergency responders arrived quickly and cleared the intersection, but the crash disrupted traffic for several hours and again brought attention to longstanding concerns about the safety of Bluffton’s busiest roadway.

U.S. 278 — known locally as Fording Island Road — carries some of the highest traffic volumes in the region. According to 2024 data from the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the route sees heavy daily traffic across all Bluffton segments.

The stretch from the Jasper County line to S.C. 170 (Okatie Highway) averages 38,800 vehicles per day. Between S.C. 170 and S.C. 46 (Bluffton Road), the average rises to 68,000 vehicles. From S.C. 46 to Fording Island Road Extension, the corridor continues to bear a significant load with 50,400 vehicles daily — underscoring the pressure placed on this vital Lowcountry route.

As Bluffton’s population grows, so does the number of traffic incidents. In 2017, the town’s population was approximately 20,625. By 2023, it had climbed to 35,243, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Projections for 2025 put the figure at 36,899, suggesting increased strain on U.S. 278 and adjacent roadways.

Crashes along the corridor occur with troubling frequency. In August 2023, a multi-vehicle accident at U.S. 278 and Buckwalter Parkway resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. Just months later, in November 2024, a bicyclist was struck and killed near Gateway Village Road.

Local officials have acknowledged the corridor’s safety challenges. The Bluffton Police Department’s Traffic Unit, established in 2016, regularly monitors high-risk areas and conducts targeted enforcement along U.S. 278. Beaufort County also retimed several traffic signals in 2018 to improve traffic flow and reduce crash potential.

Despite these efforts, many residents remain frustrated. In the aftermath of the May 19 crash, social media posts and public comments reflected growing concern about speeding, aggressive driving, and limited visibility at several intersections.

These complaints are not new, and community frustrations continue to mount. While long-term infrastructure improvements remain under review, local authorities are emphasizing short-term strategies, including increased enforcement and public education. Safety campaigns and patrol presence are expected to ramp up during the summer, when traffic volumes typically surge.

As Bluffton continues to grow, addressing safety on U.S. 278 and nearby roads remains a pressing challenge. The recent tragedy has served as a somber reminder of what’s at stake — and of the urgent need for lasting solutions.