South Carolina boasts phenomenal food, beautiful beaches, and great people, but the roads leave something to be desired. While it’s an amazing place to live, the Palmetto State is also home to some of the worst drivers in America.
Why is this so? Is the problem the roads or the drivers? What do you do if you’re injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault in South Carolina?
We’re going to answer all of these questions and more in the guide. Keep reading as we break down why South Carolina drivers get such a bad rap. Whether you’re a resident or visitor just driving through, you’ll want to know these facts so you can stay safe on the road.
Are South Carolina Roads to Blame?
In 2019, a Consumer Affairs report found that South Carolina had the worst state roads in the United States. How was this determined? The report took into account road conditions, the number of fatal accidents per mile, and how much money the state spent per mile.
When it comes to road conditions, the main issues drivers face are potholes, uneven roads, and heavy South Carolina traffic. The state’s Department of Transportation officials blames decades of underfunding and neglect for creating the most dangerous roads in America.
Poor road conditions certainly make it harder to drive safely; however, roads are not totally to blame for South Carolina’s unsafe driving. Let’s look at South Caroline drivers next and the responsibility they have for the state’s bad rating.
Are South Carolina Drivers to Blame?
Even with extremely bad roads, drivers in South Carolina are not blameless. In fact, South Carolina drivers get 19% more traffic citations than the national average.
Unfortunately, fatal accidents also occur 44% more often in SC than the national average.
This report listed South Carolina as seventh for the worst drivers in America in 2020 by looking at how many deaths there were by 100 million miles. South Carolina’s number was 1.83, which was the highest for fatality rates.
The report also looked at how many DUI arrests there were per 1000 drivers, and South Carolina scored right in the middle. However, half of the state’s fatal accidents were reportedly due to driving under the influence.
The South Carolina cities with the worst-ranked drivers include:
- Simpsonville
- James Island
- Goose Creek
- Five Forks
- Mauldin
- Greenwood
- Lexington
The South Carolina cities with the best drivers include:
- Clemson
- Port Royal
- North Myrtle Beach
- Sumter
- Florence
- Orangeburg
- Myrtle Beach
Let’s look at how drivers in other states compare to South Carolina drivers.
What State Has the Worst Drivers?
According to the latest 2021 reports, these are the worst drivers by state:
Ohio
Iowa
Nebraska
Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
South Carolina
Colorado
Idaho
Utah
All of these states had more car accidents than the national average.
What to Do at the Scene of an Accident
If you are in an accident in South Carolina that wasn’t your fault, it’s important to know your rights and what you should do next.
At the scene of the accident, the first thing you should do is check for injuries. If you are injured, you may be entitled to compensation.
If you can, move your car to a safe place off the road. If you can’t move your car or you’re injured, turn on your hazards and wait for emergency services to come to help you. Call 911 to let them know your situation.
Once you’ve been moved to safety, you need to report the accident to the police. In South Carolina, you are legally required to report all accidents with injuries and fatalities.
Even if you think the accident is minor and don’t immediately recognize injuries, report the accident anyway to avoid penalty later.
It’s a good idea to ask for the name, badge number, and contact info of the police officer taking your accident report. You should also ask for a copy of the accident report for your records so you can submit it to your insurance.
Next, exchange contact info with the other driver involved, and get their insurance information. Since you are not at fault, getting their insurance is crucial. Take a picture of it on your phone and store it somewhere safe.
You should also write down the driver’s license, make, and model of the other driver’s car. Finally, the last thing you should do at the scene of the accident is to take photos of the damage on all cars involved, including yours.
What to Do After an Accident
After the accident, call your insurance company as soon as you can. The sooner the claims process is started, the sooner you can get your car repaired.
Keep checking yourself for injuries since they can present themselves later. If you are injured, you should find a lawyer who specializes in personal injuries in Columbia.
Personal injuries may prevent you from working and hinder other areas of your life. You also deserve compensation for the emotional distress caused by the reckless driver who caused the accident.
An accident lawyer will work on your behalf to make sure you get what you deserve after such a traumatic experience.
Call Burriss Law Today
If you were injured in a car accident in South Carolina, you need a car accident lawyer in Columbia who delivers compassion and compensation. At Burriss Law, we fight for justice on your behalf so you get what you’re entitled to after an auto accident.
With South Carolina’s bad road conditions and reputation for bad drivers, there is always a risk when you get behind the wheel in the Palmetto State.
However, we hope you will still enjoy all that South Carolina has to offer. Just make sure you hire a skilled lawyer if you are in an accident with South Carolina drivers.
To set up a free consultation with Burriss Law to discuss your legal options, contact us today. We have law offices in Lexington, Orangeburg, and Columbia, SC. Our firm covers the entire state of South Carolina.
