South Carolina roads feature beautiful scenery, but they’re also dangerous in many instances. There are some specific times and circumstances that are particularly hazardous for people on the roadways in this state.
Understanding some of the root causes of fatal crashes and when they occur is critical for anyone who’s heading out on South Carolina roads.
Common causes of crashes
Speeding is a leading cause of road fatalities, with almost half of the crashes in a MoneyGeek study of crashes from 2018 to 2020 attributed to it. In this period, 44.7% of fatal incidents involved speeding. It’s critical for all drivers to remember that speed limits are based on what speed is safe when conditions are ideal, so drivers should slow down if it’s raining or if there are any other adverse conditions.
Drunk driving contributed to 31.0% of deadly crashes. Impaired driving can lead drivers to partaking in other risky behaviors while they’re on the road. While alcohol is a common impairing substance, others like medications or illegal drugs are also commonly associated with impairment.
Distracted driving was involved in 5.7% of fatal accidents. Distractions include everything from texting or eating to talking to other occupants or changing the entertainment system. Essentially, anything that causes a driver to take their eyes off the road, hands off the steering wheel or mind off driving duties is a distraction.
October is the deadliest month
Interestingly, the time of year plays a role in the safety of South Carolina’s roads. October saw the highest number of fatal accidents, with May closely following. It’s possible that weather and traffic conditions may contribute to these crashes, but the fact is that roads are unsafe unless all drivers are operating their vehicles safely.
Victims who suffer injuries in crashes, and the family members of those who are killed in wrecks, may opt to pursue a compensation claim from those whose negligence caused the harm in question. This can help them to recover the financial damages associated with a crash. Working with a legal representative who can assist the victim may be beneficial in these cases.