A recent study from Forbes Advisor found that South Carolina is one of the most dangerous states to drive in. The news outlet weighed many factors when determining South Carolina’s status as a dangerous driving state, including the high number of people injured and killed in crashes each year.
What Makes SC Such a Dangerous State for Motorists?
According to the Forbes Advisor study, many Southern states like South Carolina are dangerous to drive in because they tend to have more rural roads and fewer strict traffic regulations than many other states.
In comparing different states, the study looked at five key factors, including:
- The number of fatal car accidents
- How many people per capita died in car accidents
- The percentage of fatal accidents due to speeding
- The percentage of fatalities due to impaired driving
- The year-over-year changes in crash fatalities
The study found that speeding is one of the most significant factors in traffic deaths. In South Carolina, speeding was a contributing factor in 46 percent of collision fatalities. Additionally, the study found that impaired drivers caused 36 percent of collision deaths in South Carolina. The overall number of traffic-related fatalities only continues to increase. South Carolina’s traffic fatality rate went up by 6 percent in one recent year.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in South Carolina
A variety of factors cause car collisions, and some of the most common causes of crashes in South Carolina are:
- Speeding – When someone violates the speed limit or goes too fast for conditions, they are likelier to lose control of their vehicle or fail to respond in time to emergencies.
- Distracted driving – When someone is distracted by their cell phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or another diversion while driving, they can cause serious collisions.
- Driving under the influence – Drugs and alcohol can impair a driver’s reaction time, coordination, perception, and other abilities, which can dramatically increase the risk of a crash.
- Failure to yield – Sometimes, drivers fail to yield the right of way, make improper turns, or change lanes without looking for traffic, which can cause serious collisions.
- Aggressive driving – Aggressive drivers are more likely to cause collisions when tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or acting out of road rage.
What Are Some of the Most Dangerous Roads in SC?
Some roads in SC are considered more dangerous than others because they have exceptionally high rates of collisions and fatalities. Some of the most dangerous roads in South Carolina include:
- Highway 22
- Interstate 26
- Interstate 95
- US Highway 17
- US Route 21
- US Route 378
- Highway 501
- Highway 544
Contact Jebaily Law Firm If You Have Been Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident
If you got hurt because of someone else’s careless, reckless, or otherwise negligent driving in South Carolina, you deserve justice and fair compensation for your injuries. The personal injury attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm can fight for your best interests and to maximize the compensation you recover for your claim.
To discuss your legal options with one of our skilled attorneys, call us or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
