After a downward trend in 2010, traffic fatalities in Greenville County and the rest of the state are back on the rise, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

Through Sept. 25, Greenville County had 41 traffic-related deaths compared to 37 at the same time last year.

Across the state, deaths could approach 900 by the end of the year, which would, like the county total, be an uptick from last year. So far, 593 people have died on South Carolina roads whereas 579 had been killed as of the same point in 2010.

Still, compared to 2009 and 2008 the roads are safer. The agency said 667 and 684 people were killed in those years and with 43 and 49 in Greenville County.

Over 160 people have been killed who were not in cars — 73 pedestrians, 81 motorcyclists and 11 bicyclists.

Finally, of the 413 motor vehicle occupants who have died in 2011, 205 were not wearing seat belts.