South Carolina Ranks Third In Nation For Dangerous Drivers
Car accidents in South Carolina impact thousands of drivers each year, resulting in serious and potentially disabling personal injuries. While there are often a number of factors that can contribute to the impact and severity of these accidents, it is generally the conduct of drivers themselves that causes car accidents and injuries to occur. An annual study cites crash data showing that the Palmetto State leads the nation in the sheer number of dangerous drivers on our roads.
The Risk For Car Accidents & Injuries In South Carolina
Car Insurance Comparison conducts an annual study that ranks states throughout the United States on the safety of drivers. Relying on state police reports and crash data supplied by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2016 study ranked South Carolina as the third most dangerous state in the nation for car accidents and injuries. The study bases its rankings on several factors, which include:
State traffic fatality rates
Compliance with traffic and seat belt laws, as well as with vehicle license requirements
The number of drivers who have been ticketed for actions such as driving under the influence, speeding, and other careless driving behaviors
While drivers in our state performed well in terms of compliance, we rank near the top of the list for traffic deaths and for drivers who engage in speeding and other reckless driving behaviors. South Carolina has actually shown improvement since 2015, when it was ranked second in the nation for dangerous drivers and accidents.
South Carolina Car Accident Facts
According to the latest available statistics from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), a traffic collision occurs roughly every four minutes somewhere in the state. These accidents kill close to 1,000 people each year, while causing serious injuries for nearly 40,000 others. Driver error and reckless driving behaviors are responsible for the vast majority of these accidents. The following behaviors are among the most common that lead to accidents, in order of occurrence:
Exceeding posted speeds and going too fast for conditions
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Failure to yield right of way
Driving on the wrong side of the road or going the wrong way on a one way road
Swerving and running off the road, into ditches and guardrails
Disregarding traffic signs and signals
Aggressive driving, which includes tailgating and improper passing
Driving while distracted
Contact A South Carolina Injury Attorney
If you are injured in an accident caused by another driver, contact the Surasky Law Firm, LLC. Our experienced South Carolina personal injury attorneys can provide the professional legal representation you need to defend your rights in these types of cases. Call or contact our Aiken office online today, and request a free consultation to find out how we can assist you in getting the compensation you need to recover.
