South Carolina's Drivers Are Statistically Dangerous
SC Drivers Top List of Worst Drivers in America
South Carolina drivers are among the worst in the nation, according to a recent study by CarInsuranceComparison.com.
The study evaluated U.S. motorists by looking at states with high rates of fatal car accidents due to speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, and broken traffic laws.
Overall, South Carolina drivers ranked poorly. The Palmetto State tied with Montana for the nation’s third-highest traffic accident death rate. It ranked second for the highest number of fatal collisions caused by careless driving and speeding. Over 45 percent of fatal SC car accidents were speed-related, according to the report.
Sadly, South Carolina did rank first among the Top 10 states in one area ― bicycle accident deaths.
South Carolina Driver Statistics
Preliminary data from the state Department of Public Safety confirms that SC drivers are statistically dangerous.
The most up-to-date car accident fatality statistics in SC show the state recently experienced a record number of traffic deaths. More than 1,000 fatal collisions resulted in 1,080 deaths in a single year ― the highest total over the last five years. The number of motorcycle accident and bicycle accident deaths also increased that year.
The only encouraging statistic was a decline in pedestrian accident deaths, a six percent decrease from the prior year.
What Causes Fatal Collisions in South Carolina?
Most car accidents are due to driver error. It could be unintentional errors, such as a teen driver overcorrecting while negotiating a curve. Or it could be due to known dangerous behaviors behind the wheel, such as distracted driving or drunk driving.
Other causes of fatal car accidents in South Carolina include:
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Failure to yield
- Failure to wear a seat belt
- Reckless driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Road rage
- Other traffic violations
Are the Roads to Blame?
In some cases, road conditions play a role in South Carolina car accidents. Many of the state’s highways and local roads should be maintained by government agencies. All roads should be in good condition, free from debris and potholes that could send a car out of control. Faded paint, missing signage, or untrimmed trees covering road signs could all contribute to a fatal crash. In those cases, injured drivers could have a legal claim against the government.
Talk to a SC car accident lawyer right away if you believe you have a case. Deadlines are short when it comes to government claims. You don’t want to miss out on compensation because the clock ran out.
Are Drivers at Fault?
Most of the time, at least one driver is at fault for a crash. But it’s still possible to obtain compensation even if you are partly responsible for a car accident in South Carolina. The law allows injured people to obtain partial compensation as long as they are 50 percent or less responsible for a wreck.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer in SC Today
Wilson Law Group, LLC is a respected South Carolina personal injury law firm with over 30 years of experience tackling complex legal claims. Our attorneys will put every effort into achieving the optimal outcome for your case. We’ll listen to your story, determine what your case is worth, and fight for maximum compensation that accounts for your past, present, and future expenses.
Call or contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer.