South Carolina is among the top ten most dangerous states for motorists in the United States. According to the IIHS 2021 report, the state had the country's tenth-highest number of fatal crashes. Consequently, it also had the tenth-highest number of people who died after a car crash. Though the state has diverse roads, motorist safety has become a growing concern.
The leading cause of car crashes in the state is driver negligence. Distracted driving accounts for the highest collision rates on South Carolina roads. Additionally, drunk driving and excessive speeding significantly contribute to the high number of fatal crashes.
Though the state is working on measures to reduce crash fatality rates, poor road conditions, the growing population, and traffic congestion are key issues that should be addressed.
Though the state is working on measures to reduce crash fatality rates, poor road conditions, the growing population, and traffic congestion are key issues that should be addressed.
Some roads in South Carolina are known for their high number of car crashes and fatalities. Here are some of the most dangerous roads in the state:
In the event of an accident on any South Carolina roads, here are a few straightforward steps that drivers should take:
The risk of multiple collisions can increase if a driver leaves the car on a high-traffic main line. To prevent a pileup and safeguard other motorists' lives, the driver should find a safe place to move the vehicle away from traffic.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a punishable offense as per South Carolina law. Vehicle operators should remain at the scene and wait for further instructions.
Vehicle operators should turn on the car's hazard lights after an accident. They should also use flares and other traffic control devices to move traffic and alert other drivers about the potential danger ahead.
It is essential to check if anyone was injured during the crash. If an individual is seriously injured, individuals should notify a medical emergency team immediately, and the person should not be moved until the team arrives.
South Carolina requires all motorists to report any accident that results in death, bodily injury, or property damage worth $1,000 or above to the police immediately.
All parties involved in the crash must share their information, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, license numbers, and car registration numbers. If a driver does not own a vehicle, they should provide the name and address of the owner.
When possible, motorists should take multiple photos of the crash site. These photos can be used to identify the cause of the collision and proof of pre-existing damage to vehicles before the crash.
Vehicle operators should also take detailed notes about the crash, including any information from witnesses, law enforcement, and the emergency team.
If drivers want compensation for damages, they should file a claim with their insurer.
Motorists should always keep records of the accident. The most essential documents include police statements, reports, and insurance claims.
The state of South Carolina has stringent laws that drivers should follow when operating a car to help improve road safety. Some of these laws include:
Seatbelt LawSouth Carolina mandates that all drivers and passengers wear safety belts.
Drivers are responsible for any children aged 17 or younger who are occupying the car. Drivers will get a citation if they have not secured the children safely.
Drivers must secure a child below the age of eight in a safety seat or booster seat.
Distracted Driving LawsSouth Carolina prohibits drivers from texting, calling, or using handheld devices unless parked or stopped.
However, drivers are permitted to use hands-free or voice communication devices while driving.
MotorcyclistsLane splitting is prohibited in the state of South Carolina. Even if there is space between two cars, motorcycle riders should slow down and wait for a lane to clear before passing.
The minimum age for riding a motorcycle in South Carolina is 15 years old.
The state requires motorcyclists under 21 to wear helmets and eye protection while riding.
The state prohibits riders from carrying passengers if the motorcycle is not designed to carry passengers or does not have the necessary seat.
Impaired DrivingThe state's law requires drivers aged 21 and older to have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08% or less.
The state prohibits underage drinking and driving.
To operate any vehicle, commercial drivers must have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of less than 0.04%.
Teen DriversThe state's minimum driving age is 15 years old. The driver gets a beginner's permit. They must first pass a driving course, including a written and visual test, to show their competence. This includes eight hours in a classroom and six hours of driving experience.
Teen drivers can get a provisional driving license if they complete 40 hours of driving, including 10 hours of night-time driving, under the supervision of an individual who is 21 years or older and has a valid driving license.
South Carolina only allows novice drivers to have two passengers under the age of 21 unless they have a supervisor who is at least 21 and holds a valid driving license. However, drivers can carry minor passengers as long as they are family.
Additionally, teen drivers are not allowed to drive unsupervised between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Headlight LawsMotorists on South Carolina highways must turn on their headlights half an hour before sunset and half an hour before sunrise.
Drivers must also activate their lights when there is insufficient light or when they require using windshield wipers during precipitation, as it can impair visibility while driving.
Lane CampingVehicle operators on a multilane highway should always keep right while driving unless they want to overtake or pass other vehicles.
Left-lane traffic should always move faster than right-lane traffic.
South Carolina also has uncommon and one-of-a-kind driving laws. Here are some of these unique laws:
Driving with inappropriate bumper stickers is a crime: The state prohibits drivers from operating vehicles with inappropriate stickers on any external part of the car. Drivers who violate this rule will get a citation or a ticket.
Headlights must be turned on when it is raining: Heavy precipitation can cause low visibility while driving, increasing the risk of a collision. Drivers must turn on their headlights if precipitation like rain, mist, fog, or snow requires motorists to turn on their windshield wipers.
No passing or overtaking on highway work zones: It is illegal for a driver to overtake or pass another vehicle if there is a highway work zone, road maintenance, or construction work ahead. The state mandates drivers to wait until they leave the zone before overtaking.
Holding another vehicle on while riding a motorcycle is illegal: The state prohibits riders from attaching themselves to other cars or motorcycles while they are riding.
You cannot watch videos while driving: Besides not using handheld devices while driving, the state also prohibits drivers from watching any videos on screens, either on phones or center consoles, while the car is in motion.