The South Carolina Department of Public Safety keeps track of the incidents that occur along the roadways in the state, publishing information to help inform the public and keep them safe.
By studying traffic trends, politicians, law enforcement and motorists can address the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents.
Deadly driving
The year 2022 had fewer fatal traffic accidents than the previous year. In spite of the low number, the statistics do not come close to the record-low number of traffic fatalities set in 2010. The year 2022 saw 946 fatal traffic accidents, resulting in 1,015 deaths. This was a slight decrease from the year prior which saw 1,195 traffic-related deaths.
In 2022, July was the deadliest month for the state, totaling 106 fatalities. October was the second deadliest month with 102 fatalities. On average, at least two fatal car accidents occur daily within the state. This number is some improvement on the three fatal crashes experienced each day during 2021.
Contributing factors
In the case of fatalities, over half of the individuals involved were not wearing a seatbelt. Of the 659 travelers who could put on the life-saving device, 359 did not and lost their lives. Factors that contribute to the rate of traffic incidents and fatalities include:
- Driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Ignoring signal lights and posted signs
These factors and others are to blame for the traffic accidents that occur every 3.7 minutes across the state.
Car accidents and the resulting injuries or fatalities are often preventable. Paying attention to your speed, other motorists and your environment can keep you out of potential harm or devastating incidents.