South Carolina recorded 145,761 total crashes in 2023, resulting in 1,047 fatalities and 976 fatal collisions, along with 2,041 serious injury crashes and 32,616 other injury incidents. While fatalities peaked at 1,198 deaths in 2021, they declined to 1,047 in 2023, although total crashes increased slightly by 1.6% compared to the previous year, reflecting consistently high fatality rates relative to national averages. Major contributing factors include speeding, which accounts for about 41.1% of fatalities; alcohol-impaired driving at 31.1% and failure to use seatbelts at 41.8%, with nighttime crashes making up approximately 51.5% of all fatal incidents and weather-related crashes contributing around 16%. Rural areas account for the majority of fatalities at 60.1% compared to 39.9% in urban areas, indicating a higher risk due to factors such as high speeds and limited emergency response, while vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, represent about 15.8% of total deaths, highlighting ongoing safety concerns across the state.
Cars were involved in the highest number of fatalities, accounting for 373 deaths, which represents 36% of all traffic fatalities in South Carolina.
Motorcycles were responsible for 151 fatalities, making up 14% of the total crash deaths recorded, reflecting the heightened vulnerability of riders on the road.
Light trucks and SUVs were the second-largest category with 273 fatalities, representing 26% of all traffic deaths in the state.
Buses and public transportation vehicles were involved in 25 fatalities, accounting for 2% of the total crash deaths recorded.
Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers contributed to 15 fatalities, comprising 1% of all crash deaths, underscoring the dangers posed by large commercial vehicles on South Carolina roads.
Pedestrians accounted for 187 fatalities, representing 18% of all traffic deaths, highlighting the significant risk faced by those traveling on foot in South Carolina.
• Considered the most dangerous highway in the state
• High number of fatal crashes (around 30 deaths annually)
• Heavy truck traffic, fatigue and high speeds increase risk
• One of the deadliest and busiest corridors (Charleston-Columbia-Spartanburg)
• Frequent high-speed crashes due to congestion and aggressive driving
• High number of fatal and injury crashes, especially near Columbia
• Complex interchanges and merging traffic increase collision risk
• Known for speeding and aggressive driving, especially in the Upstate region
• Significant number of fatal crashes reported annually
• High crash frequency near urban areas and major junctions
• Congestion and merging traffic contribute to accidents
Single vehicle fatal car accident occur on Rural/highway areas.
of fatal car accidents in South Carolina happen in rural areas.
Multiple vehicle fatal car accidents occur on Urban cities (Columbia, Charleston, Greenville).
of fatal car accidents in South Carolina happen in urban areas.
A car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, even if it's minor. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. Here are five essential things to do after an accident:
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get medical attention, as some symptoms may not appear right away. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic while waiting for help to arrive.
Always report the accident to the police. An official police report creates an objective record of what happened, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters. Cooperate with the officer, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
If it's safe to do so, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and attempt getting contact details from any witnesses in the area.
Even if you feel fine, consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly and provide them with accurate details. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers.
No dumpster diving
While there is no statewide law prohibiting dumpster diving, multiple municipalities, like Greenwood, have a local ordinance that makes it illegal to scavenge or pick through garbage from garbage containers. Violators will be slapped with a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail.
Don’t drive too slowly
The “Move Right Law”, commonly referred to as the “Slow Poke Law”, prohibits driving too slowly, as it can block traffic and create congestion. This law is effective on highways with 2 or more lanes. Violations usually start at $25 and can go up for multiple offenders.
Headlights required when it’s raining
If your windshield wipers are on, your headlights must be turned on as well with no exceptions. This means, while unlikely, you can still get cited for driving without the headlights on even in the daytime when it is raining or even drizzling.
No obscene bumper stickers
Drivers can be fined up to $200 for having any type of decal or writing on the vehicle that is lewd or indecent.
You cannot have a car full of trash
Multiple municipalities have made it illegal to store trash in your vehicle. While this law may feel like it may infringe on personal liberties, it does have a very valid reason for existing. Food, trash and organic materials attract rats, increasing the rat population and causing a health safety issue not only for the car’s owner but also for all of the residents in the vicinity where the car is parked. Fines can reach as high as $500 and in extreme cases even involve some jail time.
No Hugging while driving
It is illegal to hug someone while they are driving. Needless to say, distracted driving is a real safety concern and hugging someone while driving is not particularly a smart move.
Don’t leave your car running unattended
It’s illegal to leave your vehicle running without someone inside. This law was established mainly to deter car theft also it has the added benefit of reducing air pollution.