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Last Modified on Sep 08, 2025
Summertime in South Carolina means sunshine, beach days, and family vacations, but unfortunately, also auto accidents. Summer is the busiest travel season of the year, and in South Carolina, it is one of the most dangerous. During this time, drivers experience an increase in auto crash incidents. If you know the common causes of summertime auto accidents in South Carolina, you can better protect yourself from being in a crash.
South Carolina Auto Accidents
South Carolina has seen fluctuating numbers when it comes to traffic accidents. In 2021, South Carolina reported 1,198 traffic fatalities, marking a slight increase from the previous year. The next year saw a decrease in traffic fatalities, with an 8.75% decrease. The beginning of summer 2025 saw a decrease in accidents from previous years.
This is beneficial as the state often sees a high number of fatal accidents, particularly among younger drivers. In the summer, these accidents can be caused by a number of reasons.
Increase in Traffic
Summer vacation and tourism increase traffic in South Carolina. Tourist hotspots such as Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island experience large influxes of traffic that congest streets and highways. This congestion can increase the potential for collisions due to increased volume and in high pedestrian areas.
Distracted Driving
During the summer, with more daylight and people traveling, there are more distractions. Drivers might feel tempted to text or call someone, fiddle with their radio or GPS, or chat with passengers. These activities take their eyes and minds off the road and can cause crashes, particularly in busy areas such as Charleston and Columbia.
Speeding
Enjoying the open road and the need to get to a destination quickly can make drivers want to speed. Speeding shortens drivers’ reaction times and makes collisions worse. Speeding is a factor in many crashes in South Carolina every summer, especially on highways like I-95 and I-26.
Driving Under the Influence
Many summer activities are hotspots for drinking, including festivals, concerts, sporting events, and barbecues. Sadly, some people make the decision to get behind the wheel of their car when intoxicated. Drinking and driving inhibits decision-making and reaction time. Accidents related to DUI increase in the summertime. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is illegal in South Carolina.
New and Young Drivers
Inexperienced drivers or drivers who are not familiar with the roads in South Carolina could put themselves at risk during the summer. Getting lost or disoriented in heavy traffic and on different roads from those drivers are used to can be frustrating and a setup for a crash.
Teens are more likely to get in an accident during the summer months, as they are driving more, but still have little experience behind the wheel. Summer can see an increase in accidents due to these inexperienced drivers, as they feel invincible. Common distractions can result in accidents, such as speeding or failing to wear a seatbelt. Parents and guardians can set specific rules for their teens when driving.
Outside Factors
Some accidents are caused by outside factors that have nothing to do with either of the drivers, such as construction or weather conditions. Summer is a popular season for road maintenance and construction. While these are important upgrades to make, they can also be dangerous by way of bumpy surfaces, constricted lanes, or surprise detours. All drivers should take extra care to follow signs and signals within these work zones.
Summer usually brings bright and sunny days, but unexpected thunderstorms may happen. They can limit visibility and make the roads wet and slippery. Drivers who are not expecting such a change in weather conditions, or who do not adjust their driving accordingly, can lose control of their vehicles and crash.
Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer at Axelrod & Associates, P.A.
At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., our auto accident attorneys in South Carolina understand how important it is to protect the rights of accident victims. With over 100 years of combined experience, we have the knowledge and skills necessary to aggressively represent you in a personal injury, auto accident, or work injury case.
We know the South Carolina car accident laws and the court procedures in this region, as we are located just a few blocks from the Charleston County Courthouse. We can help you with your auto accident claim to seek the compensation you deserve.
FAQs
Why Are There More Accidents in the Summer?
There are more accidents in the summer because summer sees more drivers on the road. There are vacationers, teen drivers on summer break, and motorcyclists who use the warm weather as an opportunity to ride. Increased travel, longer daylight hours, and more outdoor activities also contribute to greater congestion. Road construction also occurs more frequently in the summer, presenting another dangerous element that can result in an accident.
Why Are There So Many Car Accidents in South Carolina?
There are many factors contributing to high accident rates in South Carolina. These factors include interstate traffic, high-speed limits on rural highways, distracted driving, impaired driving, and tourism. In addition, South Carolina sees an influx of travelers from all over the country throughout the entire year, which contributes to the number of unfamiliar drivers on the road.
What Is the Most Common Reason for Being Involved in an Accident During Bad Weather?
The most common reason for being involved in an accident during bad weather is visibility and traction impairment. Rain, fog, and storms can make it difficult to see the road and other vehicles. It’s also more difficult to gauge distances and navigate turns. Visibility impairment is responsible for many accidents. Drivers often don’t slow down or adjust their driving to compensate for the weather.
What Are Most Car Accidents Caused By?
The overwhelming majority of car accidents are caused by human error. Examples of this error are distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, eating and drinking, and driving under the influence. Road and weather conditions may also factor in, but most collisions are the result of a driver making a preventable mistake.
Contact Axelrod & Associates, P.A., Today
At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., we understand South Carolina auto accident laws and can help you with your accident claim. Hire an auto accident lawyer with us today. Contact us for more information.
