In Charleston, most people use cars to move about, which may lead to traffic jams on the city’s highways and streets. Wall Street 24/7 reported that South Carolina’s roads are the third least safe in the U.S., Maybe because South Carolina has many roadways, from eight-lane interstate highways to two-lane blacktop to gravel roads.
In the event of an automobile accident in Charleston, you have the right to seek the advice of a car accident attorney. Common causes of car accidents include drunk driving, speeding, running red lights, and driver distractions. While South Carolina is known for being one of the most hazardous states for drivers, which roadways in and around Charleston are considered the most dangerous?
U.S. 17 Coastal Highway
According to the travel website Skyscanner, State Highway 17 in South Carolina ranks fourth as the most unsafe route in the United States. The highway boasts some breathtakingly beautiful segments and sights, among them one of the top gift stores in South Carolina. Still, it is plagued by frequent accidents due to its sharp corners and the existence of animals like deer (which, as we all understand, can suddenly dart out in front of your automobile).
Interstates 26 and 526
Traffic at crossings has increased annually as the population of Charleston County has grown by an average of 1.2% at the intersection of Interstates 526 and 26. When it comes to the number of collisions that have taken place here, this intersection is ranked second in all of Charleston County. Most crashes in this area are brought on by drivers who blow past junctions without paying proper attention to their surroundings.
Ashley Phosphate Road and Interstate 26
According to an article published in The Post and Courier, the crossroads of Ashley Phosphate Road and Interstate 26 was the location of 629 collisions between 2011 and 2015, making it the most dangerous intersection in Charleston County. This intersection saw a crash once in three days on average.
Crash rates here are often the result of a combination of factors, including the high traffic volume and drivers’ inability to navigate safely, distraction, and impaired judgment. During the four years, one hundred eighty-one persons were injured due to the 629 accidents at this crossroads. Fortunately, no fatalities resulted from these collisions.
International Boulevard and Interstate 526
In their study, the National Coalition looked at several major crossroads, including the junction of International Boulevard and Interstate 526. The traffic at this intersection remains heavy for most of the day, and accidents happen frequently.
Amid a traffic gridlock, cars may become frustrated and refuse to stop completely, endangering pedestrians. Construction of new lanes along the median is Part of the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s plan to upgrade the eight-mile section of highway, encompassing the popular junction and decreasing traffic.
Main Road and Savannah Highway
There have been several deadly collisions at Main Road and Savannah Highway intersect. Many Charleston residents go to great lengths to avoid this crossroads, considered one of the city’s most hazardous and detested (according to a discussion on CityData.com).
Besides the heavy daily traffic volume, the crossroads also suffers from periodic flooding along the route from Johns Island. The Charleston City Council is currently engaged in discussions over a long-term strategy to address the safety of this crossroads. One possibility being discussed is creating a flyover design for the road that would cost $1.5 million.
As it has been established, Charleston, South Carolina, is home to many of the most dangerous highways in the country. You should use extreme caution if you find yourself at one of Charleston’s most dangerous junctions. Take precautions when approaching intersections by using defensive driving techniques and always let the car that arrived first go.
Recent news also revealed that the Federal Highway Administration would be funding numerous initiatives to improve the bridges, roads, and other essential infrastructure in the southern part of the state. This bodes well for the long-term safety of drivers on the state’s roadways.
