Our law firm frequently works with victims of auto accidents in York and surrounding counties. We protect our clients’ rights when they deal with auto insurance companies, and we aggressively seek the compensation they are due. We know those funds can play a key role in the recovery process.
Many of the cases that we handle result from preventable mistakes. They are the products of human error. The most recent statistics from the S.C. Department of Public Safety confirm this. According to the SCDPS, in 2015, the driver served as the “primary contributing factor” in:
- 94.5% of non-fatal collisions (125,754 total)
- 84.3% of fatal collisions (768 total).
Some examples of careless and reckless driving that commonly cause car accidents are:
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Following too closely, or “tailgating”
- Making improper lane changes
- Driving while distracted.
However, a question is where are you most likely to encounter negligent drivers in our state. Or, to put it another way: Where are the most dangerous roads in South Carolina?
We took a close look at that question in an infographic, which you can access here. As we explain in the graphic, the answer depends on what data you analyze.
For instance, if you base your answer on the total number of traffic collisions, the answer would be Greenville County, which had 15,876 crashes in 2015. On the other hand, if you base it on the highest number of severe crashes – or accidents that result in death or injury – the answer would be either Horry County, which had 76 fatal crashes in 2015, or Charleston County, which had 4,019 injury crashes.
However, most traffic safety experts focus on VMT death rate, or the number of deaths per vehicle miles traveled. This statistic reflects how certain areas may have a high number of accidents even though they have a relatively low population and light traffic on their roads.
According to the SCDPS, the counties with the highest VMT death rate in South Carolina are:
- Allendale 3.728
- Chesterfield 3.412
- Darlington 3.215
With that said, you can’t blame all of these accidents on South Carolina drivers. A high number of crashes each year involve drivers from other states. In fact, in 2015, a total of 26,735 out-of-state drivers were involved in accidents in South Carolina, with most of those drivers coming from North Carolina (33.5%), Georgia (16.7%) and Florida (8.5%).
Get Help from an Experienced South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
If you suffer injuries in a car accident in Rock Hill or elsewhere in South Carolina, or if you lose a loved one in a crash, one of the most important steps that you can take is to get help from an experienced and compassionate car accident attorney. At McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, we will provide a confidential consultation about your case and get to work immediately on pursuing all compensation you are due. Call or reach us online today to learn more.
