(AP) -- Traffic deaths in South Carolina are more likely in accidents occurring in rural counties that border North Carolina and Georgia, according to a AAA Carolinas analysis of 2008 crashes.

llendale, Barnwell, Chesterfield, Edgefield and Darlington counties top AAA's list of dangerous counties for 2008 fatalities, the latest year for which statistics are available.

These five counties represent seven percent of 2008 traffic deaths but only three percent of the state's total vehicle miles traveled.

Rural roads are generally narrow, with lower shoulders and often have less police presence than major highways. Bordering counties frequently intermingle visiting drivers from both states, which can also cause problems.

Injuries from motorcycle accidents rose in 2008. Horry County, where Myrtle Beach is located, continues to have the highest percentage of crashes and injuries from motorcycles and has topped this list since 2005.

South Carolina traffic deaths dropped by 14 percent in 2008, the first time South Carolina has had less than 1,000 traffic fatalities in four years, largely attributed to four factors. There was increased law enforcement presence on highways, an increased focus on DUI enforcement, two percent less miles traveled in a down economy and increased seat belt usage.

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