Overview of Recent Car Accidents in Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, has recently been highlighted in several national and state reports for its concerning road safety statistics. At Parham Smith & Archenhold, LLC, we are dedicated to understanding these trends to better serve our community and clients affected by car accidents.
Charleston’s Distinction in National Rankings
Charleston ranks as the 12th city in the U.S. with the highest number of residents involved in car accidents, as reported by Insurify. Notably, nearly 2 in 10 drivers in Charleston (18.06%) have had a car accident on their record that they caused. This alarming statistic comes from an analysis of over 2.5 million car insurance applications.
Fatalities and Severe Injuries in Charleston County
The rate of fatal and severe injury collisions in Charleston County is significant. From 2014 to 2018, there were 1,404 such incidents, averaging 351 per year. Charleston County’s figures constitute approximately one in every 12 collisions in South Carolina.
The Major Causes of Car Accident Deaths in South Carolina
Between 2014 and 2018, the predominant causes of car accident deaths in South Carolina were speeding (accounting for 40% of total traffic fatalities), alcohol-impaired driving (33%), and failure to wear seat belts (32%). These factors highlight areas of concern that need continuous attention and improvement.
Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Charleston
The intersection at Ashley Phosphate Road and Interstate 26 has been identified as the most dangerous in the Charleston area. Other notable high-risk intersections include I-26 Exit 203 at College Park Road, Carnes Crossroads at U.S. 17-A and U.S. 176, and several others along major routes like Rivers Avenue, Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, and U.S. 17.
South Carolina’s Comparative National Safety Ranking
Forbes Advisor’s analysis places South Carolina as the second most unsafe state for drivers in the U.S., following Montana.
Speeding and alcohol-impaired driving are two of the most significant contributors to road fatalities in South Carolina. The state ties with Colorado for having the highest percentage (46%) of fatal accidents as a result of speeding. Additionally, impaired driving accounts for 36% of deadly traffic accidents, placing South Carolina in the top 25 states for car accident fatalities due to impaired driving.
The state also has one of the highest numbers of fatal car accidents per capita in the country. This statistic ranks South Carolina behind only Mississippi, Wyoming, and Arkansas in these categories.
Trends in Traffic Fatalities
The number of fatalities on South Carolina roads has been on an upward trend in recent years. There was a 6% increase in car accident fatalities from 2019 to 2020, with 2021 witnessing more deaths on state highways than in any year since 2018.
Our Role at Parham Smith & Archenhold, LLC
At Parham Smith & Archenhold, LLC, we are committed to representing and supporting those affected by car accidents in Charleston and across South Carolina. Understanding these statistics is an important part of our work, informing our approach to each case and our advocacy for safer roads and responsible driving practices.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Charleston, know that you have a dedicated team ready to assist you. Contact us for legal support and guidance in the aftermath of an accident.