South Carolina's Roads Among Deadliest in Nation
Driving in South Carolina comes with challenges, particularly when navigating the state's most dangerous roads. In fact, South Carolina has some of the most dangerous roadways in the country. A new study ranks South Carolina as the fourth most hazardous state for car accidents.
The ranking is based on motor vehicle deaths per 100,000 residents. South Carolina reported 962 fatal crashes and a death rate of 20.7 in 2020 - the year studied.
However, when the traffic death rate is calculated based on miles traveled, South Carolina is the most deadly state for traffic accidents in the U.S., with 1.97 deaths per 100 million miles traveled per vehicle.
Drivers, not infrastructure, are driving this fatal trend
At Twenge + Twombley Law Firm, we're all too familiar with these hazards and the devastating impact they can have. If you've been in an accident on one of these roads, it might not just be a case of bad luck or coincidence. In addition to negligent drivers, issues like poor maintenance, confusing signage, or flawed road design could be at fault. We're sharing the factors that make South Carolina roads dangerous to help raise awareness that reduces future accidents.
But remember: Even the most cautious driver can become the victim of a reckless one. If you were injured in a South Carolina accident, contact our Beaufort car accident attorneys for a free case evaluation to learn more about how our firm can help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
The most dangerous roads in South Carolina
Although road conditions can pose risks, it is primarily driver behavior, such as distraction, speeding, and impairment from alcohol or drugs, that leads to most accidents. Aggressive driving and non-compliance with traffic signs further exacerbate these dangers. Adverse weather conditions test drivers' abilities, with accidents often resulting from overconfidence in challenging environments. Here are the most dangerous and deadly roads in South Carolina statewide:
- I-26
- I-95
- I-77
- I-20
- I-85
In Beaufort County, highways are the most dangerous roadways, as well. According to state data, the top roadways with the most fatal and serious injury-causing accidents in the county are:
- US-278
- US-21
- Route 170
- Route 46
- Bluffton Prkwy
The most dangerous intersections in Beaufort County are:
- US-21 at Robert Smalls Pkwy (SC-170), an 'X' style intersection in Beaufort
- SC-170 at US-278 interchange in Beaufort
- US-278 at Target Road (S-524), Sea Pines Circle on Hilton Head Island
- Savanna Hwy (Route 128) at Robert Smalls Pkwy (SC-170) in Beaufort
What makes South Carolina roads so dangerous?
Like most states, fatal accidents are not necessarily caused by infrastructure—they are caused by drivers. In South Carolina, drivers cause more than 90 percent of traffic accidents. According to state data, environmental factors contribute to about 5 percent of crashes, vehicle defects are a factor in a little over 1 percent, and roadway infrastructure contributes to less than 1 percent of accidents.
But it's not just South Carolina drivers who cause crashes. Almost 14 percent of drivers in traffic collisions are from out-of-state, with North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida drivers leading the way.
The most common factors in fatal motor vehicle accidents are:
- Speeding, driving too fast for conditions
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Lying in or otherwise illegally in the road
- Driving on the wrong side/wrong way
Meanwhile, in addition to the factors mentioned above, injury-causing collisions most frequently involved improper lane changes, disregard for signs and signals, following too closely (tailgating), and distracted driving.
We hold negligent drivers responsible
After a car accident in South Carolina, protecting your rights as an injured victim is crucial for your recovery and future well-being. Knowing what to do after a crash can make the difference between maximum compensation and settling for less than you deserve.
If you are in an accident, begin by calling the police and seeking immediate medical attention, then collect all possible information from other parties and witnesses and document the accident scene thoroughly with notes and photos. It's essential to contact your insurance company promptly; however, if you have doubts about their willingness to cover your accident fully, reach out to Twenge + Twombley before making any statements to insurance companies.
Most importantly, consult an experienced Beaufort car accident attorney as soon as possible to navigate the legal and financial aspects of your case effectively. Twenge + Twombley offers free case evaluations to injured accident victims and the families of fatal accidents. We can answer your questions, explain your legal options, and help you decide next steps.