Charleston SC Car Accident Statistics

Axelrod & Associates, P.A.

Jul 16, 2024

Famous for its cobblestone streets, antebellum buildings, and beautiful waterfronts, Charleston, South Carolina, is a charming and historic city. However, Charleston has its fair share of road accidents, as do many busy cities. Knowing the Charleston, SC, car accident statistics, including numbers and causes of car crashes in this area, can help you understand how big the problem is and guide efforts to make the roads safer.

Table of Contents

Charleston, SC, Car Accident Statistics

Every city has car accidents. Unfortunately, Charleston has a relatively high number of accidents. In 2021, the county saw the following number of accidents:

72 fatal collisions.
260 collisions that caused serious injuries.
16,071 total collisions.

Most accidents happened between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, which may be attributed to most cars being on the road during this time.

Charleston’s Most Dangerous Intersections

In Charleston, car crashes often happen at certain intersections. According to the South Carolina traffic collision fact book, 2021 had some notable intersections for accidents. The most notable ones are:

I-26 at S-75: This junction has had the most accidents, with 194 total collisions. Charleston’s main road, Interstate 26, has a lot of traffic at its intersection with S-75, which makes crashes more likely.
I-26 at US-78: This crossing is also a dangerous spot, with 182 accidents. Several important roads meet at this busy intersection.
I-26 at I-526: There were a total of 137 accidents on this important interchange. I-526 is a beltway that goes around Charleston. It meets I-26 at a busy and complicated interchange.
At I-26 and S-1342, there were a total of 112 accidents, showing how busy I-26 and the roads around it are.
US-52 at S-542, with 86 accidents, is also very high on the list. Another important road that goes through Charleston is US-52, which helps explain why there are so many crashes at this intersection.

Main Causes of Car Accidents

There are many reasons why there are so many car crashes in Charleston. The most important ones are:

Failing to yield. Many accidents happen when cars don’t give way to other drivers. This can happen at junctions, where people cross the street, and when lanes merge.
Distracted driving. Many accidents happen when people talk on their phones, eat, or do other things while driving.
Driving too close to other drivers. When a driver tailgates, they don’t have as much time to respond to sudden stops, which can lead to rear-end accidents.
Speeding. Going over the speed limit or too fast for the conditions of the road is a common reason for crashes that result in more serious injuries and damage.
Improper lane usage and changing. Many crashes happen when drivers change lanes without signaling or checking their blind spots. This is especially true on busy highways and interstates.

Charleston’s Most Dangerous Roads

Because of how many cars use them and how they are laid out, some roads in Charleston have higher accident rates:

US-17: This road has had the most accidents, with 1,852. US-17 is a major north-south road that goes through Charleston and is very busy.
I-26: This interstate has been in 1,275 accidents, and it is one of the main roads through Charleston, which is one reason for its high accident rate.
US-52: There were 1,213 accidents on this road. Since US-52 is an important route, it gets a lot of traffic.
US-78: There were 602 accidents on this road. Many crashes happen on US-78, which is another important road in Charleston.
I-526: This roadway around Charleston has had 588 accidents, making it another high-traffic place.

How to Avoid Car Accidents in Charleston, SC

People who drive in Charleston, SC, should be careful and defensive if they want to avoid car crashes. This means going the speed limit, keeping a safe distance behind the car in front of you, and being extra careful on roads with many accidents, like I-26. Don’t use cell phones or other things that could cause distraction, and always yield when it’s needed.

It’s very important to pay attention during times when accidents happen more frequently, especially from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Safety is also improved by keeping your car in good shape and using your turn signs when changing lanes. By following these rules, drivers in Charleston can greatly lower their chances of getting into a crash.

FAQs

How Many Car Accidents Are in Charleston, South Carolina?

Every year, there are thousands of car crashes in Charleston, SC. The number of recorded collisions in 2021 was 16,071. This high number shows how important it is to take safety precautions on the road and be extra careful, especially at busy crossings and during rush hour.

How Many Car Accidents Occur Per Year in South Carolina?

A vast number of car accidents happen per year in South Carolina. The exact number of accidents that occur each year can change, but the state usually reports tens of thousands of crashes yearly. Reports from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety are the greatest sources for the most accurate and up-to-date data.

How Do I Find Out About Local Car Accidents?

You can read about car accidents in your area on local news websites, listen to the radio for traffic reports, or use real-time traffic apps. Also, webpages for local police departments and social media sites often share information about recent accidents and traffic conditions. These can help you stay up to date on local car accidents.

What Age Are Car Accidents Most Common?

Most car crashes happen among younger drivers. People in this age group often don’t have much experience driving and may do more dangerous things while driving, like speeding and not paying attention. To lower the number of accidents involving this group of people, it is very important to improve driver instruction and encourage safe driving habits.