Traffic fatality statistics: A mixed bag for South Carolina

On Behalf of | Jan 16, 2018 | Drunk Driving Charges

We all have preconceived notions about drivers in other states. For example, many of us assume motorists in Montana are all speed demons, or that drivers in the northeast are all hyper-aggressive. However, most of these notions are rooted in stereotypes rather than fact.

To put things into perspective, CarInsuranceComparison.com has created an infographic detailing each state’s ranking for different element s of vehicle safety. Users can easily view auto accident statistics and state-by-state safety rankings. And the news could be better for South Carolina’s drivers.

For 2017, South Carolina ranked sixth. That may sound good, but it actually means the state is the sixth worst in the nation for driving safety. South Carolina’s presence on the worst drivers list is nothing new – the state typically cracks the top five. However, there is a silver lining: the state’s ranking has gradually improved every year since 2014.

Breaking down the data

In 2017 South Carolina saw 977 traffic fatalities. 26 of those deaths were caused by a driver’s failure to obey a traffic device or use safety restraints. Speeding was responsible for 11 traffic deaths.

While South Carolina did not earn a high ranking overall, the state did place in the better half of the nation for DUI-related deaths. 29 fatalities were attributed by drunk drivers, a decrease from previous years.

Some experts attribute the drop in DUI-related deaths to the passage of Emma’s Law in 2014. Under the law, first-time DUI offenders who are convicted with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher are required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles for six months. Second offenses require the device be installed for two years.

We are pleased to see South Carolina making strides toward safer roads and hope our drivers will continue to take road safety seriously in years to come.

National College for DUI Defense | General Member

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