Each year, various studies, rankings, and reports circulate across the internet ranking states on the quality ,or lack there of ,of their drivers. South Carolina often appears near the top of these lists, prompting the provocative question: Are South Carolina’s worst drivers really the worst in the country?
At Ted Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand the real consequences of dangerous driving, reckless drivers, and careless driving across the state. This blog dives deep into the data, explores common dangerous behaviors and habits of drivers in South Carolina, and discusses the legal options available if you’ve been injured on the road.
The Reputation: Where Does It Come From?
South Carolina has garnered a less-than-stellar reputation in national traffic laws and traffic safety reports. Multiple studies from insurance company sources like Forbes Advisor have repeatedly ranked the state among the worst category for motorists. But why?
Here are a few highlights from recent accident fatality statistics and driving skill studies:
- High fatality rate: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, South Carolina consistently ranks among the top states for fatal car accidents, traffic deaths, and fatal car crashes per 100 million miles driven.
- Poor infrastructure and rural roadways: Many fatal accidents occur on dangerous roads, bad road conditions, or bumpy roads with congestion to road quality issues.
- Negligent driving behavior: Distracted drivers, drunk drivers, drowsy driver, driver error, and failure of drivers to obey traffic signs are all too common.
- Reckless driving and aggressive driving have led to a surge in deadly crashes, especially in heavy traffic areas.
Despite these issues, not all drivers in South Carolina are bad ,some are decent drivers with strong driving abilities. But due to systemic problems, especially in cities like Charleston and Columbia, the state’s reputation among the 8th-worst drivers and second-worst drivers holds strong.
By the Numbers: South Carolina Traffic Statistics
A closer look at the statistics reveals why South Carolina has developed this unfortunate title of housing bad drivers and seeing careless driving citations rise.
1. Fatalities Per Capita
South Carolina experiences over 1,000 auto accident deaths per year, placing it among the worst in terms of auto accident death rate and fatal crash incidents.
2. Drunk and Impaired Driving
Over 25% of traffic deaths are caused by drunk driving and alcohol-related crashes. Despite increased DUI patrols from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, drunk drivers remain a persistent danger on state highways.
3. Speeding and Reckless Behavior
Excessive driving speed is one of the leading causes of deadly crashes. Roads like Founders Road and stretches of 3-mile highway stretch near Columbia are known for massive road rage issues and 2.86 speeding-related incidents.
4. Seatbelt Non-Compliance
Many licensed drivers, especially in their 60-70’s the drivers, ignore basic safety like seatbelts, worsening outcomes in single-vehicle accident scenarios.
5. Pedestrian and Cyclist Fatalities
South Carolina also sees high cyclist deaths and bicycle accident deaths, and the lack of infrastructure has led to a decline in pedestrian accident safety.
Common Causes of Collisions in South Carolina
State records identify frequent contributors to accidents with injuries, such as:
- Distracted driving – Often due to messages on driver safety being ignored.
- Drunk driving – A recurring threat from both locals and tourists.
- Aggressive driving – Also called dangerous driving behavior.
- Failure to yield – A common form of traffic violations.
- Weather-related conditions – Leading to fiery accident outcomes.
Geographic Hotspots: Where Do Accidents Happen Most?
Certain South Carolina areas experience frequent crash claims, especially among licensed drivers and digit salute drivers who disregard speed limits and traffic laws:
- Charleston – Congested, full of bad roads, and bad driving.
- Greenville – Surrounded by freeway systems known for fatal incidents.
- Columbia – Home of highway fatalities and issues drivers ignore daily.
- Myrtle Beach – High accident risk due to vacationers and decent drivers not familiar with the area.
- Rural Roads – Emergency delays worsen fatal car crashes.
Who’s Most at Risk?
The most vulnerable include:
- Teen drivers
- Motorcyclists and moped riders – Especially due to lack of Driver Training
- Elderly drivers
- Pedestrians and cyclists
Many of these groups are impacted on a daily basis by reckless drivers, careless driving, and traffic officer lapses in enforcing traffic signs.
Does Insurance Make It Worse?
Yes. According to insurance company stats and the auto insurance rate website, one in ten drivers is uninsured, and many more carry minimum insurance quotes coverage. If you’re a victim, this makes crash claims frustrating and insurance rate negotiations complicated.
Legal Consequences of Dangerous Driving
South Carolina’s traffic laws allow civil suits for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
In fatal car accidents, wrongful death cases may be pursued. Having an experienced car accident lawyer from Ted Law Firm can help you fight careless driving with legal force.
Can South Carolina Improve?
Efforts to improve:
- More messages on driver safety
- Crackdowns from highway patrol and traffic officer units
- Driver accountability
- Investments into traffic signs and freeway overpass maintenance
But the problem won’t go away without cultural change. We must collectively combat dangerous driving, drunk drivers, and distracted driving by being aware of our driving abilities and obeying all sort of traffic laws.
What To Do If You’re in a South Carolina Auto Accident
- File an accident report
- Seek medical care
- Document the scene
- Don’t post on social media
- Contact an accident lawyer
Are SC Drivers Really the Worst Drivers?
The data doesn’t lie. With high fatalities per capita, fatal incidents, drunk driving, and poor driver training, the label of worst drivers,or at least 8th-worst drivers,has some truth. Not all South Carolina residents are bad drivers, but the driving skill crisis and dangerous roads must be addressed. We proudly represent injured moped riders and their families in Aiken, Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta,advocating for accident victims across South Carolina and Georgia. When a devastating crash turns your world upside down, you can count on Ted Law Firm to stand by your side and provide the trusted legal support you deserve.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
