Car Accident Statistics in South Carolina
South Carolina is well-known for being home to a significant number of car accidents. South Carolina has been considered the second most dangerous state to drive in, with an average of 20.7 deaths per 100,000 people.
In this article, we will touch upon key accident facts, driver factors contributing to car accidents, and total collisions in the state, among other data available for 2021.
Key Accident Facts
In 2021, South Carolina experienced:
- One traffic collision every 3.6 minutes
- One property damage collision every 4.8 minutes
- One person killed every 7.3 hours
- One pedestrian killed every 1.9 days
- One child under eight seriously injured or killed every 4.9 days
Driver Factors Contributing to South Carolina Car Accidents
The top causes of car accidents in the Palmetto State in 2021 (the most recent year available) were:
- Driving too fast for conditions: 39,595 total collisions, 9,824 injury collisions, and 265 fatal collisions
- Failing to yield right-of-way: 29,274 total collisions, 8,978 injury collisions, and 124 fatal collisions
- Improper lane usage/change: 12,907 total collisions, 1,491 injury collisions, and 21 fatal collisions
- Following too closely: 10,020 total collisions, 1,948 injury collisions, and three fatal collisions
- Distracted/inattention: 8,928 total collisions, 1,948 injury collisions, and six fatal collisions
Number of Car Accidents in South Carolina
South Carolina had 147,724 collisions in 2021, resulting in 1,198 deaths and 53,596 injuries. In fatal crashes, the driver contributed to 82.73% of these collisions, with the driver being the cause of non-fatal crashes in 92.04% of incidents.
Demographics of Drivers Involved in Crashes
Drivers in serious injury and fatal collisions comprised the following ages and genders:
Serious Injury Collisions
Ages 25-29: Female=169 Male=323 Total=492
Ages 20-24: Female=164 Male=274 Total=438
Ages 30-34: Female=126 Male=295, Total=421
Ages 35-39: Female=119 Male=224 Total=343
Ages 45-49: Female=103 Male=220 Total=323
Fatal Injury Collisions
Ages 25-29: Female=66 Male=144, Total=210
Ages 20-24: Female=54 Male=142 Total=196
Ages 30-34: Female=50 Male=139 Total=189
Ages 40-44: Female=38 Male=108 Total=146
Ages 35-39: Female=51 Male=94 Total=145
Accident Rates Based on Time/Day/Month
There are certain times of the day when drivers are more at risk of getting into a car accident. In 2021, the most crashes occurred between 3 to 6 pm, totaling 35,885. However, the most fatal traffic accidents occurred between 6 to 9 pm, with a total of 211.
Certain days of the week prove to be more dangerous. Fridays had the most collisions, totaling 25,396, with Saturdays having the highest number of fatal collisions at 201.
As for times of the year, October had the highest number of traffic collisions at 14,632. August had the highest number of fatal traffic collisions, totaling 112.
Impaired Driving in South Carolina
Besides distracted and speeding drivers, the state also has an issue with intoxicated drivers. In 2021 alone, there were over 400 fatalities that can be attributed to an impaired motorist.
Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Today
You never know when the unexpected will arise. The best move you can make following a car accident is to speak with our South Carolina car accident lawyers. We offer both remote and on-site appointments to meet your needs. To schedule your free consultation, contact us today online or by calling 843-552-6011.