The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in South Carolina

The Most Dangerous Roads in South Carolina

Did you know South Carolina consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for drivers?

With a fatal crash rate nearly double the national average, with 13 deaths per 100,000 residents.

Traffic accidents are a frequent occurrence in the Palmetto State, with a collision happening every 3.6 minutes and a fatality every 7.9 hours.

According to SCDOT and national data, the state ranks #4 for fatal car accidents, and overall fatalities have been increasing.

Drivers aren't the only victims in South Carolina with nearly 21% of accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists. ^[1]

This analysis of the most dangerous roadways and intersections for crashes across the state can help increase safety for all drivers.

By highlighting these frequent accident hotspots we hope to bring attention to the opportunity to enhance safety where it is needed to reduce the risk for all drivers.

If you or a loved one was involved in a serious car crash in South Carolina, we can help ensure your case gets the attention it deserves.

The experienced car accident attorneys at Lawsuit Legal will ensure you get treated fairly by the insurance companies and fight to see you get paid the compensation you deserve.

 

The Dangerous Reality: South Carolina's Car Accident Statistics

South Carolina is a beautiful state with a mix of rural roads, congested highways, and high traffic roads and intersections.

The combination contributes to the Palmetto State ranking the #4 deadliest state in the nation for car accident fatalities.

In 2023, there were 147,000 total collisions reported across South Carolina, nearly one every 3.6 minutes.

Approximately 1028 traffic fatalities were reported in 2023 by SCDPS.

Our firm often assists surviving families and victims with their auto accident injury lawsuits.

The state ranks #10 nationally among states with the most car accidents annually, but ranks #4 among the deadliest in the nation.

South Carolina's Most Dangerous Highways

Interstate 95

Interstate 95 is the deadliest road in South Carolina, with more reported accidents and fatalities than any other road on the highway. Heavy commercial trucking use and heavy traffic contribute to its having a high accident rate. The heavy truck traffic, varying road conditions, driver fatigue, and unpredictable driving conditions result in an average of 30 people killed annually on I-95. The high speed limit up to 70 mph in some stretches makes this interstate a high risk for severe accidents with a high rate for fatalities.

Interstate 26

Interstate 26 is the second most dangerous highway in South Carolina. This interstate runs through Charleston, Columbia, and Spartanburg and intersects the I-85, I-95, and I-77. A hotspot for frequent wrecks, the Highway patrol credits driver distraction, cell phone use, frequent lane changes, and aggressive driving as contributing to the higher rate of high-speed collisions. The busy section of the I-26 between Charleston and Greenville-Spartanburg through Columbia is consistently reporting a high rate of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. It's generally considered an awful, high-risk drive by motorists who must navigate frequent road construction, high 18-wheeler traffic, and accidents safely - stressful and dangerous for even an experienced driver. The stretch of I-26 between Charleston and I-95 alone averages nine fatalities a year. Additionally, the Jedburg Road and College Park Road exits between Summerville and North Charleston, is a hotspot for car accidents, while the I-26 near Charleston regularly has a high number of serious collisions. ^[2]

US Route 17

The narrow lanes, curves, and high tourist traffic volume of US Route 17 in Myrtle Beach has led to it being one of the most dangerous roads in SC and the 5th most dangerous in the US. The dangers unique to this roadway account for its high accident rate and make it one of the most dangerous roads in the South. The roadway has numerous intersections requiring sudden stops after long two-way stretches and has high traffic during peak season consisting of tourists and residents. The stretch between Bonanza Road to Orleans Road is a particular hotspot for deadly crashes. The frequent wildlife crossings on this roadway in particular have led to a high number of single-vehicle accidents. Varying speed limits, a high volume of tourist traffic, narrow lanes and reckless driving are among the hazards leading to the high risk for collisions. The SCDPS has designated stretches of Highway 17 a high crash corridor calling for special attention from lawmakers to address safety concerns.

US Route 17 Alternate

US Route 17 Alternate consists of 123 miles between Pocotaligo and Georgetown and is entirely contained within South Carolina. In our analysis, what makes US Route 17 Alternate so crash-prone are the varying speed limits between the towns that can catch drivers off-guard if they aren't vigilant. The numerous crossroads and speed changes make this unlit two-way road especially dangerous at night in rural stretches. Motorists should be especially careful and mindful of the dangers when driving this inland route.

Rural areas in South Carolina have a higher fatality rate compared to urban areas which have a higher rate of collisions overall. For comprehensive statistics and accident data, refer to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

South Carolina Traffic Accident Data

Accident totals can include a range from minor collisions to serious crashes and pedestrian strikes. Vehicle types can include passenger vehicles, SUVs, motorcycles, 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles. The following analysis is based on a combination of our internal data handling car accident lawsuits and publicly available crash data, with cited references included below for further review.

Data Point	Statistic	Analysis
Traffic Fatalities in SC (2022)	1,094	Contributing factors include a diverse mix of rural and busy city roadways, dangerous driver behaviors, high congestion, poor road conditions, and a challenging driver environment.
Traffic Fatality Rate in SC (2022)	Nearly 13 deaths per 100,000 residents	The high fatality rate for accidents in the state is largely due to heavy commercial vehicle traffic and the general environment of high risk road conditions. Big trucks significantly increase the risk of severe injuries and fatalities in accidents due to their massive size, weight, limited maneuverability, and longer stopping distances. Additional factors like blind spots, cargo hazards, and the potential for rollovers further amplify the danger, especially for smaller vehicles involved in collisions.
Pedestrian Death Rate in SC (2019)	165	Pedestrian accidents in South Carolina are frequent, with the state ranking among the top 10 most dangerous in the nation. Pedestrians and bicyclists hit by cars are especially prone to severe injuries and death. Driver negligence is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents in crosswalks, despite these areas being designated for pedestrian safety. We regularly review injury claims from survivors hit by cars in crosswalk accidents.
Seat Belt Usage Rate in South Carolina (2020)	91%	The seat belt compliance rate in South Carolina is aligned with the national average in America of 91.6%. Wearing seatbelts can help reduce the severity of injuries when accidents happen and save lives. We must look to other factors to account for the high fatal car accident rate in the state.
Speeding as Factor in Fatal Accidents	37%	According to the SCDPS, speeding was cited as a significant factor in 37% of fatal accidents reported in South Carolina in 2019. Aggressive driving and other driver behaviors are consistently the leading causes of crashes that come across our desk. The combination of high speeds, sharp curves, and limited emergency response access significantly increases the likelihood of severe injuries and death in rural areas. High speeds on highways increase the risk of accidents when drivers encounter sudden lane changes, merging traffic, or unexpected obstacles. High speeds in towns and city areas significantly increase the risk of accidents at intersections and crossroads, where unexpected stops are common. Faster driving reduces reaction time and can lead to rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, or loss of control, especially when visibility or road conditions are hazardous.
Distracted Driving	19%	Distracted driving behavior contributed to 19% of fatal accidents in South Carolina in 2019. Distracted driving behaviors, such as texting, eating, or adjusting in-car settings, significantly increase the risk of auto accidents. Driver distractions delay reaction times, making it harder for drivers to stop suddenly or maneuver to avoid potential collisions. Distracted driving and driver negligence are leading causes of accidents, resulting in the majority of injury and fatality cases we handle each year.
Alcohol-Impaired Driving	30%	Drunk driving was cited as a factor in 30% of traffic fatalities in South Carolina. Impaired driving slows reaction times and increases reckless behavior that impacts the safety of other motorists and pedestrians. Drunk drivers are more likely to speed, swerve, or run traffic signals at intersections, increasing the risk of catastrophic collisions. Our internal data shows that motor vehicle accidents involving drunk driving have a higher rate of victims suffering severe injury profiles.
Total Traffic Accidents in South Carolina (2021)	147,724	The total traffic collisions reported includes accidents involving property damage, injuries, and fatalities. South Carolina has consistently ranked poorly when compared to national averages for road safety data. A persistent issue of traffic safety in the state has been growing worse as population grows and congestion increases. It is expected that traffic fatalities per vehicle miles travelled will increase by 5.4% from a five-year average of 1.84, highlighting the need for continued progress on road safety improvements.
At-Fault Accidents Rate (2022)	12%	The at-fault accident rate in South Carolina is higher than the national average of 8.8%. The increased rate of drivers who reported having caused a collision indicates underlying issues. Our analysis suggests this highlights the challenging driving conditions, driver negligence, poor road safety, inexperienced drivers, or the need for infrastructure improvements in our state.

A variety of factors contribute to traffic accidents in South Carolina. The state's roads often experience congestion, especially in high-traffic areas, which can be challenging even for experienced drivers. High speeds and aggressive driving behaviors further elevate the risks for motorists, making safe driving essential to improve safety. ^[2]

 

South Carolina's Car Accident Hotspots

Wherever multiple traffic flows converge there is an increased the risk for collisions. Making left turns across oncoming traffic, sudden stops at lights, and unpredictable behavior at stop signs make intersections chaotic and high-risk hotspots for accidents.

These factors create frequent points of conflict and demand quick, precise decision-making, increasing the likelihood of collisions. High traffic volume and poor design only exacerbate the hazards. The following are among the most dangerous intersections in South Carolina:

Most Dangerous Intersections

Ashley Phosphate Road & I-26 (North Charleston)

The complex multiple turn lane layout and extremely high traffic volume along with a large number of pedestrians has resulted in the intersection of Ashley Phosphate Road & I-26 in North Charleston to be rated the most dangerous in the state. It's a hub for commercial traffic in North Charleston entering the I-26, and it can be accident-prone for vehicles entering or exiting the interstate. Frequent traffic backups of exit ramps further exacerbate the hazards. The multi-lane turn design is difficult to navigate and leads to a significant number of motorists misjudging their turns resulting in a high rate of side-swipe collisions. ^[3]

SC Highway 9 and SC Highway 57 (Horry County)

This intersection in Horry County recorded 86 crashes, resulting in 37 injuries in 2022 alone. The intersection experiences a heavy traffic and its poor design likely contributes to it's collision rate. Vehicles turning right onto Highway 9 must make a sharp turn making it difficult to gauge the distance and speed of oncoming traffic. The site was the scene of a deadly rollover accident in 2024, and continues to be a collision hotspot for motorists in South Carolina.

I-20 at U.S. 176 (Columbia)

The I-20 at U.S. 176 junction is dangerous due to heavy traffic. The confusing design for merging traffic, and high-speed differentials, are likely a primary reason for its frequent collisions. The interchange merges heavy traffic from two major routes at high speeds, demanding heightened attention from both motorists and truck drivers to navigate safely. The mix of cars and commercial vehicles complicates traffic flow, making it a high-stress environment for motorists. Vehicles merging onto the highway must quickly adjust to fast-moving traffic, while those exiting or transitioning between lanes face abrupt lane changes and tight spaces.

Wade Hampton Boulevard from Donan Road to Freebird Boulevard (Greenville)

The intersection at White Horse Road (US-25) and Farrs Bridge Rd (SR-183) is a high-risk hotspot that has been the location of several deadly collisions in recent years. During high traffic periods the design of this intersection makes it especially high-stress for motorists trying to navigate safely. Multiple lanes merge from different directions and it can be difficult to see oncoming traffic when turning. Adding to the hazards are its use by heavy commercial trucks and its easy to see why this intersection in Greenville has had a number of serious wrecks.

White Hall Road At Pearman Dairy Road (Anderson)

The intersection between White Hall Rd and the Hwy 28 Bypass (Pearman Dairy) is consistently among the top crash intersections in the county. The varying speed of drivers on Pearman Dairy Road accounts for this location being so accident prone. It's a very busy intersection with a lot of 18-wheelers, a lot of contractors coming in and out of Builder Way, and people going to work keeping it busy all day. At peak hours traffic can back up all the way to the next light at 28. Drivers get impatient, distracted, and aggressive. The mix of drivers accelerating to gain speed and others slowing down to make turns has made this junction one of the most hazardous intersections in the area.

U.S. Highway 501 and S.C. Highway 31 (Myrtle Beach)

This intersection ranks as No. 1 most dangerous intersection in Horry County with the most wrecks in 2018. This busy intersection is the main junction feeding traffic into Myrtle Beach. The chaotic mix of lumber trucks, beach traffic, and resident motorists in a congested intersection has led to its high crash frequency. More than a dozen lanes of traffic converge, merge, and condense on a single point at this intersection. The area requires that motorists remain alert in this crash-prone convergence.

South Carolina drivers are often in a rush to reach their destinations, leading to tailgating and aggressive driving behaviors. A mix of inexperienced drivers, heavy truck traffic, challenging road design, and excessive speeds create a high-risk environment for drivers. Caution should be exercised by anyone navigating South Carolina's highways and streets.

Driving Safely with Commercial Vehicles

Accidents involving commercial vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to their size...

• High Risks: Commercial vehicles are larger and heavier, and high speeds and long stopping distances make these vehicles particularly hazardous. Large trucks have blind spots, take longer to stop, and are difficult to maneuver safely.
• Common Accident Causes: Trucking accidents can result from sudden lane changes or abrupt stops by smaller vehicles near trucks. Driver fatigue among commercial drivers is commonly a contributing factor in collisions.
• Dangerous Conditions: The size and weight disparity between commercial vehicles and passenger cars result in greater force during collisions. Improperly secured or shifting cargo can make big trucks unstable and difficult for drivers to maneuver their vehicle safely.
• Injury Severity: Victims are much more likely to be seriously injured or killed when hit by a big truck. Even minor collisions are capable of serious injury due to the forces involved.
• Safety Measures: Drivers should maintain a safe following distance to avoid sudden braking incidents. Avoid lingering in a truck's blind spots (sides, rear, and close front). Pass commercial vehicles quickly and safely without lingering alongside.