Where Does South Carolina Rank in Car Accidents Nationwide?
No one expects to get into a South Carolina car accident. However, the reality is, these accidents happen every single day to unsuspecting motorists. With summer here and with air travel rates not yet back up to their previous levels, it seems as though road trips are going to be at the top of the summer vacation list. As you pack up the kids and the gear, be sure to prioritize safety.
While it may come as a surprise to some, the Palmetto State ranks among the most dangerous for car accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) releases accident data each year from all of the 50 states. According to the Institutes 2019 data, there were 922 fatal South Carolina car accidents, claiming the lives of 1,001 people.
The IIHS measures road safety by the number of fatal traffic accidents compared to the number of miles traveled. For example, in 2019, South Carolinians traveled over 59 billion miles. That means that 1.73 people died in a traffic accident per 100 million miles traveled.
Another way to look at road safety is through the number of traffic-related deaths per 100,000 people. For example, in 2019, South Carolina had approximately 5.1 million people, meaning 19.4 people died in motor vehicle collisions per 100,000 population.
Of course, without context, the importance of these figures is hard to grasp. Let us take a look at some of the other nearby states:
South Carolina:
• 1.73 traffic-related deaths per 100 million miles traveled
• 19.4 traffic-related deaths per 100,000 population
North Carolina:
• 1.12 traffic-related deaths per 100 million miles traveled
• 13.1 traffic-related deaths per 100,000 population
Georgia:
• 1.12 traffic-related deaths per 100 million miles traveled
• 14 traffic-related deaths per 100,000 population
Tennessee:
• 1.37 traffic-related deaths per 100 million miles traveled
• 16.6 traffic-related deaths per 100,000 population
Virginia:
• .97 traffic-related deaths per 100 million miles traveled
• 9.7 traffic-related deaths per 100,000 population
Florida:
• 1.41 traffic-related deaths per 100 million miles traveled
• 14.8 traffic-related deaths per 100,000 population
As you can see, South Carolina has the highest rate of traffic-related deaths under both calculation methods. Taking a look at the country as a whole, South Carolina remains at the top of the list of the most dangerous states. South Carolina has the highest rate of traffic-related fatalities when looking at the total number of miles traveled out of any state in the country. And, only Wyoming, Mississippi, and New Mexico had a higher fatality rate when looking at the total population.
What Types of Accidents Cause the Most Deaths?
The IIHS also gathers information about the type of vehicles involved in fatal accidents, as well as some data regarding the cause of accidents. According to the most recent report, in South Carolina, 62 percent of all traffic-related fatalities involve occupants of cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks. Motorcycles and pedestrians each comprise about 15 percent of the total number of fatal accident victims. Just two percent involve the occupants of large commercial trucks.
Those who were involved in a serious car accident or tragically lost a loved one in a collision can pursue a claim for compensation through a South Carolina personal injury lawsuit. Those interested in learning more about the recovery process should reach out to a dedicated Charleston car accident lawyer.
Contact the Steinberg Law Firm for Immediate Assistance
If you or a loved one was involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by another’s negligence, reach out to the Steinberg Law Firm today. Our compassionate South Carolina personal injury lawyers have the skill, dedication, and resources to effectively bring a claim on your behalf. We have decades of experience resolving cases against some of the largest and most powerful insurance companies in the nation. With our help, you can begin the process of moving on after the tragic accident, knowing that you are in good hands.
To learn more and schedule a free consultation, give the Steinberg Law Firm a call at 843-720-2800. You can also contact us through our online form, and one of our attorneys will get back to you shortly. We represent clients in Charleston, and the surrounding communities, including but not limited to West Ashley, Summerville, North Charleston, and Goose Creek.
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