South Carolina’s highways, while offering scenic byways and beautiful vistas, can also pose significant risks to drivers. Whether you are a visitor or a local, you may find yourself asking, “What are the most dangerous highways in South Carolina?” Some of the most dangerous highways in South Carolina include Highway 183, US Route 17, Route 25, and Interstate 95.
If you have been injured in an accident on one of these highways already, reach out to our South Carolina car accident lawyer to find out how our team can support you in getting the settlement you deserve.
Statistics on Dangerous Highways in South Carolina
South Carolina’s roadways, unfortunately, witness a significant number of traffic accidents each year. According to the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book, the state experiences a staggering rate of collisions, with one occurring approximately every 3.7 minutes. Here are some other statistics they calculated:
- Fatal Collisions: A life is tragically lost in a fatal collision every 8.6 hours.
- Injury Collisions: Every 15 minutes, someone is injured in a traffic accident.
- Motorcycle Fatalities: A motorcyclist loses their life every 2.5 days.
- Bicycle Fatalities: A cyclist is killed every 14.6 days.
- Pedestrian Fatalities: A pedestrian is fatally struck every 2 days.
These alarming statistics underscore the serious safety concerns associated with driving in South Carolina. We will examine conditions that lead to tragic outcomes as we examine specific dangerous highways in the state.
Certain roadways have earned a reputation for being particularly dangerous due to many factors, including heavy traffic, hazardous road conditions, and a higher number of reckless drivers.
South Carolina Highway 183
South Carolina Highway 183 (SC-183) is one of the most dangerous highways in South Carolina. This 53-mile stretch of state highway travels from Westminster to Greenville and is locally known as East Pickens Highway. According to the South Carolina State House, it is a commuting corridor and a primary freight route experiencing heavy congestion.
Congested traffic on any highway can create dangerous situations for drivers. Especially with older roads, when the volume of traffic exceeds the capacity of a road network. Slower moving traffic heightens the chances of car accidents in the following ways:
- Increased driver impatience, stress, and frustration
- Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating
- Sudden lane changes
- Reduced visibility
- Sudden stops and breaking
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Delayed reaction times
- Fatigue from longer commutes
- Increased chances of distracted driving
US Route 17
A particularly beautiful stretch of highway, US Route 17, existed before the Interstate Highway System was built and offers a more scenic coastal route than I-95’s inland roadway. It takes drivers from Winchester, Virginia, to Punta Gorda, Florida, and runs the length of our state in a 221-mile stretch. Due to the age of this road, portions of it still exist as a two-lane configuration, offering very little space for drivers when traffic becomes dense.
South Carolina has attempted to expand this road through improved alignments, grading, widening, and replacing structurally deficient bridges, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). Highlighted by an NBC Dateline special on America’s Dangerous Roads, a particular 22-mile segment of the highway stretching from Beaufort County to Colleton County became notorious for high accident rates. Because of this, there have been significant upgrades in the road’s infrastructure.
While poor road infrastructure often contributes to accidents, the road also has its fair share of accidents due to distracted drivers and out-of-town visitors. Like all roads running through particularly scenic areas, drivers should be extra cautious and look out for others who might not be paying close attention to the road. If you have been in an accident on US Route 17, we can help you recover what you are rightfully owed.
US Route 25
US Route 25 is a major transportation highway that travels from Brunswick, Georgia, to the Kentucky-Ohio state line. It is notorious for its high accident rate, particularly in certain sections.
According to the Appalachian Regional Truck Parking Study, this dangerous highway leads to the most severe truck crashes in the country due to the combination of heavy traffic, adverse weather conditions, and low visibility with twisting roads. Due to the significance of this road for commuting and commercial trucking, the road can become dangerous.
Weather and road conditions significantly affect the number of accidents on US Route 25. In 2008, the South Carolina Department of Transportation invested $840,000 to resurface a portion of the road in Greenville County. This initiative aimed to reduce the risk of hydroplaning, a dangerous condition when a vehicle’s tires lose traction on wet roads.
Specific hazards on this road include heavy truck traffic, wildlife, adverse weather conditions, and mountainous terrain. By understanding the specific hazards and taking appropriate precautions, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents on US Route 25.
Interstate 95: A High-Speed Corridor
Interstate 95 is a major east-coast highway that traverses South Carolina for nearly 200 miles. It is known for its high speed limits and heavy traffic, particularly during peak travel times. I-95 can be a dangerous road, especially for those who are not cautious. Key factors contributing to accidents include a lack of median barriers, frequent lane changes, and high speeds.
Median barriers are physical barriers that separate opposing lanes of traffic on highways and roadways. These barriers play a crucial role in enhancing road safety by reducing the severity and frequency of head-on collisions. In the event of a collision with a median barrier, the barrier can absorb some of the impact, reducing the force transferred to the vehicle and its occupants.
While median barriers effectively help with road safety, they are not a foolproof solution. Drivers on Interstate 95 should maintain appropriate caution and avoid distractions to stay safe. If you were injured in an accident on one of these most dangerous highways in South Carolina, you may need the help of an experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyer.
Get Help Today From the Car Accident Lawyers at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm
Contact the experienced car accident lawyers at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm to schedule a free case consultation and get answers to your questions. We have supported injury victims in South Carolina for over a decade and can help you maximize your settlement. Get in touch today to start the process.
