COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Department of Public Safety says seven people died on South Carolina highways during the 78-hour Memorial Day holiday period that ran from Friday, May 27, at 6 p.m. until Monday, May 30, at midnight.

That's compared to 10 people during the similar period in 2010.

During the 2011 Memorial holiday period, three drivers, one passenger, one pedestrian and two motorcyclists died in six collisions.

The number of deaths so far this year is also down over last year. The DPS says as of May 30th, 325 people have died on South Carolina highways, compared to 330 highway deaths during the same time period in 2010.

Of the 237 motor vehicle occupants who have died in 2011, 134 were not wearing seat belts.

Through midnight May 30th, 35 pedestrians, 42 motorcyclists and five bicyclists have died on state roads and highways.