South Carolina is home to several highways known for high accident and fatality rates, putting drivers at increased risk of serious personal injury or death. Heavy commercial traffic, high speeds, rural road conditions, and outdated infrastructure all contribute to dangerous driving environments across the state. From major interstates to heavily traveled state routes, certain roadways see a disproportionate number of severe car accidents each year. Understanding which highways are most dangerous can help drivers stay alert, make safer choices, and recognize when legal guidance may be necessary after a serious accident.

Why South Carolina Highways Are Dangerous

South Carolina consistently shows up on nationwide listings as one of the most dangerous states in which to drive. The state usually has one of the highest rates of car accident fatalities in the entire country. There are several factors that lead to this result, including the following:

• There are more rural roads in the state, and drivers speed and pay less attention on these highways.
• South Carolina has a very high rate of drunk driving.
• There are many trucks on the roads because South Carolina is a gateway to and from the Southeast.
• Many highways lack safety features and improvements that you would find on roadways in other states. 
• Drivers may not always respect the law, and police may not consistently enforce motor vehicle statutes.

What Makes Highways Dangerous in South Carolina?

Highways can be dangerous for a number of reasons. The most common reason why highways are hazardous is the actions of other drivers. Although you may drive defensively and safely to the best of your ability, you cannot control what other drivers do on the road. You never know when you will be in the vicinity of a distracted driver or a motorist who has little to no respect for traffic laws.

The design of the roadway itself could also make it hazardous. You may be on a multi-lane highway without adequate dividers. The road could be under construction, but there could be a dangerous road pattern that raises the risk of an accident. 

Hazardous Roadways in South Carolina

The following are some of the dangerous highways located in the Palmetto State:

• I-95 is a frequently used thoroughfare on which drivers often speed. The highway carries heavy traffic, and there are long rural stretches on which drivers may either use their mobile devices or pay less attention. 
• I-85 carries a heavy amount of traffic between the suburban Charlotte area and North Georgia. Although the roadway has recently undergone a number of improvements, the highway is not always properly maintained, and drivers still engage in risky behaviors.
• US-17 is a coastal route that has very challenging travel conditions. In some places, the route is a multi-lane highway. In other areas, US-17 traverses through highly trafficked areas with traffic lights and other hazards. 
• I-26 is an east-west route that goes across South Carolina, through busy areas such as Columbia. The highway also has rural stretches that present their own unique dangers. 
• SC-9 serves as a major connector between residential areas, schools, shopping centers, and I-85. Frequent driveways, intersections, and turning vehicles increase the risk of rear-end and T-bone collisions.

Regardless of where your accident occurred, you may be entitled to financial compensation if the crash was the result of someone else’s negligence. This can be another driver, or even the governmental authorities that fail to properly design and maintain the roadway. The one consistent factor across all car accident cases is that you should receive a full settlement for all of your damages when someone else was at fault for what happened. 

Charleston Car Accident Lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Will Protect Your Rights

When you need an attorney who will stand up for your legal rights, speak to the Charleston car accident lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC. We have a track record of getting results for our clients in the form of full financial compensation for their injuries. Call us today at 843-727-6500 or fill out the online form for a free consultation. We have offices in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina, and we serve clients throughout the state.