South Carolina is a great place to take a scenic drive. It is also home to some of the country’s most dangerous roads and intersections. These spots are prone to accidents that are often serious or deadly. Knowing how to avoid these risky stretches helps you stay safe.
In South Carolina, certain roads and intersections get more than their share of accidents due to poor road design, inadequate infrastructure, or heavy traffic. These areas pose significant risks to the motorists who travel on them.
What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in South Carolina?
Several South Carolina roads have earned a reputation for being especially dangerous due to high accident rates, frequent fatalities, and hazardous driving conditions. Here are some of the most notorious, according to data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS):
- Interstate 26 (I-26) – I-26 goes from Charleston, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina, and is often cited as one of the state’s deadliest highways. This is primarily due to heavy traffic from commuters and trucks.
- Interstate 95 (I-95) – As one of the main arteries of the East Coast, I-95 passes through South Carolina for nearly 200 miles. This stretch is known for fatal accidents due to heavy truck traffic, frequent lane changes, and high speeds. The lack of median barriers in some areas has contributed to deadly head-on collisions.
- Highway 17 (US-17) – Running along the coast from Charleston to Myrtle Beach, US-17 is scenic but dangerous. The road sees a lot of tourist traffic during peak seasons. However, its narrow lanes, sharp curves, and lack of shoulder space make it dangerous, particularly in poor weather conditions.
- Highway 378 (US-378) – This road has long stretches of rural areas with few traffic signals, making it prone to high-speed collisions. It also connects several small towns to larger cities, contributing to heavy traffic and serious accidents – especially during rush hour or holiday weekends.
Where Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in South Carolina?
In addition to hazardous highways, South Carolina is home to several dangerous intersections where accidents happen frequently. Poor design, heavy traffic, and confusing signage all contribute to the volume of collisions. Some of the most hazardous intersections in South Carolina include:
- Greystone Boulevard & Broad River Road (Columbia) – This intersection sees significant traffic from commuters and shoppers, making it a high-risk area for accidents. Combining fast-moving vehicles and multiple turning lanes creates confusion and frequent crashes.
- Rivers Avenue & Ashley Phosphate Road (North Charleston) – A known trouble spot in the Charleston area, this intersection experiences heavy congestion, especially during rush hours. The mix of commercial vehicles, commuter traffic, and limited sightlines make it one of the most dangerous in the state.
- Two Notch Road & Parklane Road (Columbia) – This intersection, located near a shopping district, has a history of rear-end and side-impact collisions. The high volume of vehicles entering and exiting from parking lots and unclear traffic patterns contribute to its danger.
- Harbison Boulevard & Columbiana Drive (Columbia) – This intersection is near a busy commercial area, including the Columbiana Centre Mall. With so many cars coming and going at once, it’s a recipe for frequent accidents, particularly during the holidays and weekends.
What Makes These Roads and Intersections So Dangerous?
Several factors make these roads and intersections particularly hazardous:
- Heavy traffic – Many of these roads and intersections see a constant flow of vehicles, especially during rush hours, weekends, or holidays. High traffic volumes increase the likelihood of accidents, especially when mixed with impatient drivers and those unfamiliar with the area.
- High speeds – Roads like I-26 and I-95 encourage high-speed driving. When drivers exceed the speed limit, it becomes harder to avoid accidents. High speeds can turn minor collisions into fatal crashes.
- Poor road design – Some roads and intersections in South Carolina suffer from outdated infrastructure, poor lighting, and inadequate signage. Narrow lanes, sharp curves, and a lack of barriers also contribute to dangerous conditions.
- Tourist traffic – South Carolina is a popular tourist destination, especially in coastal areas like Myrtle Beach and Charleston. Visitors unfamiliar with the roads may make sudden stops, take wrong turns, or slow down unexpectedly, leading to accidents.
- Weather conditions – South Carolina’s weather can quickly turn dangerous. Heavy rains, fog, and even ice can make driving treacherous, especially on roads already prone to accidents. Wet or icy conditions reduce traction and make it harder to stop in time to avoid a crash.
What Types of Accidents Are Most Common on These Roads?
The accidents that occur most frequently on South Carolina’s dangerous roads and intersections vary depending on the location and contributing factors. Some of the most common include:
- Rear-end collisions – These accidents often happen in high-traffic areas with frequent sudden stops, such as at busy intersections or in heavy highway congestion. Distracted driving and tailgating are common causes.
- Side-impact collisions – Commonly called T-bone accidents, these collisions often occur at intersections where drivers misjudge a traffic light, fail to yield, or run a red light. Side-impact collisions can be particularly deadly due to a vehicle’s lack of safety devices meant to protect passengers from the side.
- Head-on collisions – These are more common on highways without median barriers, such as certain stretches of I-95. They often result in fatalities due to the high speeds involved.
- Multi-vehicle pileups – Highways like I-26 and I-95 are prone to multi-car accidents, especially in bad weather or heavy congestion. Chain-reaction crashes can result from one vehicle losing control and others failing to stop in time to avoid a collision.
What Should You Do After a South Carolina Car Accident?
Knowing how to respond is critical if you find yourself in a car crash on one of South Carolina’s dangerous roads or intersections. Here are the steps you should take:
- Check for injuries.
- Move to safety.
- Call the police.
- Gather information.
- Seek medical attention.
- Contact a car accident attorney.
After a collision, your safety should be your priority. From there, a car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you may be owed.
Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
Being involved in a car accident is stressful and shocking. If you’ve been injured in a crash someone else caused, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice.
At McKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC, we can handle your car accident claim for you. We’ve been serving injury victims in South Carolina since 1977. Clients call our advocacy “beyond phenomenal.” Contact us today to get started on your road to recovery.
