South Carolina’s roads are crucial for connecting communities and welcoming visitors to the Palmetto State — but let’s be real — some of them are downright dangerous. With high traffic volumes, crumbling infrastructure, and risky driver behavior, certain roads are accident hotspots.
At Johnson, Johnson, Whittle & Lancer, Attorneys, P.A., we’re here to highlight these risky areas so you can stay aware and hopefully avoid accidents. Understanding where and why accidents happen can help you travel safer for yourself and your loved ones — especially if you’re navigating through places like Aiken, SC.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident in South Carolina, call our seasoned Aiken car accident lawyers. We have the knowledge and experience to get you the compensation you deserve.
Why Are Some Roads More Dangerous Than Others?
The dangers on specific roads in Aiken and throughout South Carolina and the country typically arise from a combination of factors. It’s not just a single issue to blame. Traffic volume, road design, driver behavior, and even weather conditions can all contribute to unsafe driving environments, and subsequently, car accidents.
Traffic Volume
Busier roads, especially interstate highways, have a higher predisposition toward being car accident hotspots. This is because drivers traveling along packed roads have reduced time and space to change in the event of sudden turns.
Moreover, with the heavy truck traffic across interstates like I-95, there is extra danger from trucks that require time to brake and change directions. In 2022, South Carolina reported over 1,100 fatal crashes across these high-traffic routes.
Poor Road Design
Think sharp curves, bad lighting, and confusing signage-turning what should be simple drives into hazardous adventures. Consider some roads near Aiken, like US-521; these roads have long expanses across rural areas with limited viewability — a surefire method for disaster at intersections.
Nearly 30% of fatal accidents in South Carolina in 2021 were tied to either flawed road design or intersection markings. The state has long stretches of rural terrain with limited visibility — a recipe for disaster at intersections.
Driver Behavior
Reckless driving habits, such as speeding, texting while driving, or even driving under the influence, are major culprits behind accidents. Distracted driving alone accounts for more than 20% of crashes in South Carolina each year.
With a mix of local and tourist traffic around Aiken, driving patterns can get pretty unpredictable-especially on scenic routes such as the US-17. DUI incidents contribute to nearly 300 fatalities statewide every year.
Weather Conditions
And let’s not forget the weather! Weather conditions account for almost 15% of all crashes in South Carolina each year. Rainstorms can make visibility poor and roads slick, while the occasional winter weather can catch drivers off guard who are not prepared. Even light rain can cause hydroplaning on poorly drained roads.
South Carolina’s Most Dangerous Roads
While any road can turn deadly in a split second under the right circumstances, some highways in South Carolina have earned a more notorious reputation for car accidents than others.
These include:
1. I-26
Running from Charleston to the Upstate, this is one of the busiest highways in the state. Frequent congestion—especially near cities—increases accident risks, with high-speed collisions and aggressive driving incidents being common. State data shows I-26 consistently ranks among the top five deadliest roads for car accidents in South Carolina.
2. I-95
Sometimes called the “Main Street of the East Coast,” I-95 bisects South Carolina. The extensive, often monotonous stretch of road creates conditions under which fatigue-related car accidents tend to occur. Adding heavy truck traffic to this, it’s little wonder why more than 200 in-state wrecks involved large trucks in 2022 alone.
3. I-85
This interstate connects major Upstate cities such as Greenville and Spartanburg and is infamous for high speeds and aggressive drivers. Ongoing construction projects further complicate navigation, with over 40% of I-85 car accidents happening near construction zones.
4. US-17 (The Coastal Highway)
This scenic drive, though beautiful, is one of the deadliest roads for car accidents in South Carolina due to heavy tourist traffic and distracted drivers. Wildlife crossings add an unpredictable twist-over 100 wildlife-related collisions happen here every year.
5. US-521
This highway is a vital commute path but becomes very dangerous in rural areas because of the blind spots and unmarked crossroads. There have been more than 75 fatalities on the US-521 in recent years — mostly during low-light conditions.
How to Stay Safe on High-Risk Roads
Even though some roadways are riskier than others, you can implement easy safe driving tips to stay safe on the road:
- Defensive Driving: Stay alert! Anticipate what other drivers might do, and keep a safe distance-especially on high-speed interstates like I-85 and I-26. Be extra careful around large trucks — they have blind spots and need longer stopping distances.
- Plan Your Route In Advance: You can get up-to-the-minute traffic and weather updates by leveraging modern navigation apps. Avoid peak traffic times whenever possible or seek out alternative routes when construction or accidents congest the roads.
- Vehicle Care: Always check your tires, brakes, and lights to ensure everything’s in good shape. Worn tires can increase stopping distances significantly — proper maintenance can prevent accidents!
- Avoid Distractions: Put your phone away! Limit conversations and focus solely on the road ahead. Remember — South Carolina law bans texting while driving — but hands-free doesn’t mean distraction-free either.
- Always Adjust for Weather: Slow down when it rains or fog rolls in! Increase your following distance and use your headlights wisely — bridges can freeze faster than regular road surfaces during winter weather.
What to Do if You’re in an Accident on South Carolina Roads
Car accidents happen — even to the most careful drivers! Knowing how to respond can make a huge difference in protecting your safety and legal rights.
- Immediate Steps: If you find yourself in an accident, move to a safe spot when possible and call 911! Seek medical attention even if you feel fine; some injuries don’t immediately show symptoms.
- Document the Scene: Take pictures of everything, including the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries get witness statements, too! This information is vital in case you have to file an insurance claim or go to court later.
- Contact an Attorney: Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming — but you don’t have to go it alone! At JJWLS, we’ve got tons of experience helping accident victims protect their rights and get fair compensation.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer in Aiken Today, for Free!
South Carolina’s roads are vital for travel — but they also come with significant risks for drivers. You can minimize your chances of a car accident by being aware of high-risk areas such as I-26, I-95, and US-17 and following safe driving rules.
But what if something goes wrong? The Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, & Staggs personal injury lawyers are here to help! Contact our Aiken, SC-based personal injury lawyers at (803) 649-5338 today. Let’s work together to get your rights heard and recover justice for you after your crash!
