South Carolina roads witness thousands of motor vehicle collisions each year, leaving families devastated and communities searching for answers. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported over 150,000 traffic crashes in 2024 alone, with many resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. These staggering numbers reveal a troubling pattern that affects drivers across the state, from the busy streets of Charleston to rural highways throughout the region.
Motor vehicle accidents occur due to various factors, many of which are entirely preventable. Recognizing these common causes of car accidents can help drivers make safer choices and protect themselves and others on South Carolina roadways. When accidents do happen, victims often face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma that can last for years. Our Charleston car accident attorneys are ready to help victims get compensation.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents Statistics in South Carolina
The leading causes of car accidents statistics paint a clear picture of the most dangerous behaviors on South Carolina roads. According to state data, distracted driving ranks as the top cause of motor vehicle collisions, accounting for nearly 25% of all crashes statewide. This alarming trend has grown significantly with the widespread use of smartphones and other electronic devices.
Speeding follows closely behind as another major contributor to traffic accidents. South Carolina Code of Laws Section 56-5-1520 establishes speed limits throughout the state, yet many drivers continue to exceed these legal limits. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes when they occur.
Impaired driving remains a persistent problem despite strict enforcement efforts. The South Carolina Code of Laws Section 56-5-2930 defines driving under the influence and establishes severe penalties for violations. However, alcohol and drug-related accidents continue to claim lives across the state.
Weather conditions also play a significant role in South Carolina car accidents. Heavy rain, fog, and occasional ice storms create hazardous driving conditions that catch many motorists unprepared. The state experiences frequent thunderstorms during the summer months, leading to reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces.
Distracted Driving Accidents in Charleston and Statewide
Distracted driving has emerged as the most common cause of car accidents throughout South Carolina. This dangerous behavior takes many forms:
- Texting while driving
- Talking on cell phones
- Eating behind the wheel
- Adjusting radio or GPS controls
- Engaging in intense conversations with passengers
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles reports that distracted driving causes more than 15,000 accidents annually.
Charleston experiences particularly high rates of distracted driving accidents due to heavy tourist traffic and congested urban areas. Visitors unfamiliar with local roads often rely heavily on GPS devices, taking their eyes off the road at critical moments. Commuters rushing to work frequently attempt to multitask while driving, creating additional hazards.
South Carolina law prohibits texting while driving under Section 56-5-3890 of the state code. Drivers caught texting face fines and points on their license. However, enforcement remains challenging, and many drivers continue this risky behavior despite legal restrictions.
The impact of distracted driving extends beyond property damage. Car accident victims face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering that insurance companies often fail to adequately compensate. Our car accident attorneys in Charleston fight to ensure clients receive full compensation for all their losses, including future medical needs and long-term disability issues. Rear-end collisions are especially common when drivers focus on their phones instead of the traffic ahead.
Reckless and Aggressive Driving Patterns
Aggressive driving behaviors contribute significantly to car accidents in South Carolina. These dangerous patterns include:
- Road rage incidents and tailgating
- Improper lane changes without signaling
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Excessive speeding in traffic
- Cutting off other vehicles
South Carolina drivers face increasing stress from traffic congestion, leading some to make poor decisions behind the wheel.
Tailgating represents one of the most common forms of aggressive driving. Many drivers follow too closely, leaving insufficient space to stop safely when traffic slows suddenly. This behavior frequently results in multi-vehicle chain reaction accidents, particularly during rush hour traffic.
Running red lights and stop signs causes numerous intersection accidents throughout the state. These collisions often produce severe injuries due to the high impact forces involved when vehicles strike each other at perpendicular angles. South Carolina Code of Laws Section 56-5-970 requires drivers to obey all traffic control devices, yet violations remain common.
Improper passing and lane changes create additional hazards on South Carolina highways. Drivers who change lanes without signaling or checking blind spots frequently cause sideswipe accidents and force other vehicles off the road.
Weather-Related Driving Hazards
South Carolina weather patterns create unique challenges for drivers throughout the year. Weather-related driving hazards include:
- Intense summer thunderstorms with torrential rainfall
- Dense fog in low-lying areas near rivers and coasts
- Occasional ice storms and winter weather conditions
- Standing water that causes hydroplaning
- Sudden visibility changes during storms
The state experiences intense summer thunderstorms that can produce torrential rainfall within minutes. These sudden downpours reduce visibility to near zero and create standing water on roadways.
Hydroplaning becomes a serious concern when vehicles encounter standing water at highway speeds. Many drivers fail to reduce their speed appropriately during rainstorms, leading to loss of control and single-vehicle accidents. Proper tire maintenance and reduced speeds can help prevent these crashes.
Fog presents another significant weather hazard, particularly in low-lying areas near rivers and coastal regions. Dense fog can reduce visibility to just a few feet, making it impossible for drivers to see other vehicles or road obstacles. Multi-vehicle pileups often occur when drivers fail to slow down or pull over during heavy fog conditions.
Winter weather, while less common than in northern states, still creates hazardous conditions when it occurs. Ice storms and occasional snow can make South Carolina roads extremely dangerous for drivers unaccustomed to winter driving conditions.
Get in Touch with Us Today
Our legal team handles car accident cases in Charleston, including zip codes 29401, 29403, 29407, 29412, 29414, 29492, and throughout the greater Charleston metropolitan area. We work closely with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and insurance companies to build strong cases for our clients.
Contact Briggs Law Group today for a consultation about your car accident case. We serve clients throughout Charleston County and surrounding areas, providing compassionate legal representation when you need it most. Let our experience work for you during this difficult time.