Leading Causes Of Car Accidents In South Carolina
South Carolina drivers can help to protect themselves and their passengers on the road by obeying traffic regulations and practicing defensive driving safety skills. Unfortunately, we know that even the safest and most experienced of drivers can find themselves involved in car accidents due to the reckless and negligent actions of others.
According to the latest statistics from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), roughly 1,000 people are killed in car accidents throughout the state each year, while close to 40,000 others suffer serious and potentially disabling injuries. In cases where the other driver is to blame for a crash, you are entitled to compensation for the losses you and your family members suffer. The following are the top four causes of car accidents in South Carolina, which may have played a role in your collision:
1. Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, improper passing, and failure to yield are among the leading contributing factors involved in car accidents throughout the state. While getting inpatient in traffic and acting out towards others may not seem like such as big deal, the fact is these accidents end up claiming more than 300 lives each year, while injuring an estimated 15,000 people.
2. Speeding
Speeding is another common factor in car accidents throughout our area. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), South Carolina ranked 15th in the nation in terms of traffic fatalities, and speeding was a factor in nearly half of all these collisions. Even if you obey the speed limit but are driving too fast for road, traffic, and weather conditions, it puts you, your passengers, and other motorists at risk.
3. Driving Under The Influence
Despite the efforts of law enforcement, driving under the influence continues to be a leading cause of car accidents, both in South Carolina and throughout the country. These accidents prove deadly for roughly 200 people each year in our state. Even having ‘just a few drinks’ or being under the influence of medication could impair your driving abilities enough to make an accident more likely.
4. Distracted Driving
The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that while South Carolina, along with 47 other states, currently has a ‘no texting while driving’ ban in place, there are no laws to prevent drivers from using cellphones or hands free devices. In addition to texting, talking on phones, and taking pictures, distracted driving also includes behaviors such as eating or drinking behind the wheel or even talking with passengers.
Been In An Accident? Get Help Today
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, there is a strong chance that one of the above was a factor. Reach out and contact the Surasky Law Firm, LLC to find out how you can get the compensation you need to recover.
