Some South Carolina highways are more dangerous than others. Busy interstates and coastal routes carry thousands of vehicles every day, and with that comes a higher chance of wrecks.
The reasons for the numerous accidents are simple. High traffic volume, outdated design, and fast speed limits all contribute to the issue. When you combine these factors with human error, the risk of a crash goes way up.
So, which highway has the most accidents in South Carolina? While many roads have dangerous sections, data from state safety reports often point to a few specific highways. Our experienced York, SC car accident lawyer highlights the roads where drivers need to be extra cautious.
Top Dangerous Intersections and Roadways in South Carolina
While highways carry the greatest number of vehicles, specific intersections add another layer of risk. Urban areas are home to intersections where traffic signals, high speeds, and merging lanes create the perfect environment for crashes.
Some of the most dangerous highways include:
- Highway 17: Highway 17 in California is also called “Killer 17” as it’s renowned to be one of the most dangerous and deadliest highways. Highway 17 crosses a high precipitation area, so in the winter months, it can become icy and slippery. Plus, heavy rain can cause mudslides. In 2016, there were 983 collisions.
- Highway 9: Highway 9 ranks as another dangerous highway, averaging nearly 15 deaths per year between 2018 and 2022. A total of 74 people lost their lives in 70 crashes, with 2021 marking the deadliest year at 18 fatalities.
- Highway 6: Highway 6 saw 58 deaths from 56 crashes during the same five-year period, averaging about 12 per year. The worst year was 2021, with 13 lives lost.
- Highway 34: Highway 34 also averaged around 12 fatalities per year. In 2021, 15 deaths occurred in 13 crashes.
- Highway 20: This 53-mile highway links Abbeville, Belton, Greenville, and Williamston. It averaged just over 8 fatalities per year.
- Highway 41: Highway 41 had an average of 8 deaths annually.
Why These Roads See More Accidents
These roads see more accidents for a few main reasons that combine road design with driver behavior. Many of these highways were not originally built to handle the sheer amount of traffic they now get. This can lead to issues like narrow lanes, sharp turns, and a lack of shoulder space, which all make driving more dangerous.
Another major factor is the high volume of cars, especially during peak travel times and holidays. More cars on the road mean a greater chance of collisions. When traffic gets heavy, drivers can become frustrated, leading to more aggressive driving behaviors like speeding, weaving between lanes, or not leaving enough space between cars.
Finally, common driver mistakes play a big part. Distracted driving (like using a phone) and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are frequent causes of crashes. When you combine these behaviors with the already challenging conditions of a high-traffic, outdated road, the risk of an accident goes up significantly.
What to Do if You’re Injured in a Crash on a SC Highway
If you are injured in a car accident on a South Carolina highway, it is essential to act carefully to protect yourself and any future legal claim. Here are the steps to take:
1. Check for Injuries and Call for Help
The priority is safety. Check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
2. Call the Police
In South Carolina, you must report a crash to law enforcement if it results in injury, death, or property damage. A police officer will come to the scene and create an official accident report. This report is a key piece of evidence for any insurance claim.
3. Gather Information
Get the name, contact information, and insurance details from the other driver. If there are any witnesses, get their names and phone numbers. Their statements can be valuable later on.
4. Document the Scene
Use your phone to take photos and videos of the damage to all vehicles, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. Documenting the scene can help support your claim.
5. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, go see a doctor. A medical evaluation provides important documentation of your injuries that will be needed for your case.
6. Be Cautious With Insurance Companies
The other driver’s insurance company may contact you. Be careful about what you say. Do not provide a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement without talking to a lawyer.
7. Contact a Lawyer
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can review your case and explain your options. An experienced attorney can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
How Local Governments Are Addressing Highway Safety
Local governments in South Carolina work with state agencies to improve highway safety. They use grant money from the state and federal government to pay for various projects and programs. These initiatives are often based on a data-driven plan called the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), which focuses on a few key areas:
Engineering
This involves physical changes to the roads to make them safer. Projects can include adding more lanes to reduce congestion, upgrading intersections with better signals or roundabouts, and installing signs, pavement markings, and lighting. They might also add features like median cables or rumble strips to prevent head-on collisions and roadway departures.
Enforcement
Local police and sheriff’s departments use grant funds to increase their presence on dangerous roads. This allows them to conduct sobriety checkpoints, speed-enforcement operations, and campaigns that encourage drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts.
Education
Local and state agencies run public awareness campaigns to promote road safety. These campaigns often address problems like distracted driving, impaired driving, and the importance of seatbelt use.
Emergency Services
Efforts are also made to improve how emergency services respond to and handle crashes. This helps to reduce the severity of injuries and save lives after an accident.
Contact an Experienced York, SC Car Accident Lawyer
Having a lawyer on your side after a car accident protects your rights and ensures that someone is looking out for your best interests. We can handle all the complex details of your case so you can concentrate on getting better.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash on a dangerous South Carolina highway, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress. The legal team at Hunter | Everage is ready to help.
Our office in York, SC, has the knowledge and experience to help people with their personal injury cases. We will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 704-377-9157 to request a free case consultation.