South Carolina Ranks Among the Worst States for Speed-Related Crash Deaths

Posted on July 17, 2023 in Personal Injury,Rules Of The Road

A recent study found that South Carolina had the highest percentage of speed-related traffic fatalities in the United States in one recent year. Moreover, speed-related deaths in South Carolina have increased by 11 percent over the past decade. Understanding the factors contributing to these accidents is essential for staying safe on South Carolina roads.

The Problem of Speed-Related Traffic Deaths

Forbes Advisor reports that speeding drivers cause nearly 30 percent of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. These motorists are responsible for about 30 deaths daily nationwide. Speeding increases the chances that a motor vehicle accident will be deadly, as the traumatic forces in car crashes increase with speed.

The Worst States for Speed-Related Traffic Deaths

According to data compiled by Forbes Advisor, the worst states for speed-related motor vehicle accident deaths in one recent year are as follows:

1. South Carolina – 46 percent of traffic fatalities were related to speeding, and there were 494 speed-related fatalities.
2. Colorado – 46 percent of traffic fatalities were related to speeding, and there were 287 speed-related fatalities.
3. Hawaii – 44 percent of traffic fatalities were related to speeding, and there were 37 speed-related fatalities.
4. Missouri – 43 percent of traffic fatalities were related to speeding, and there were 421 speed-related fatalities.
5. Pennsylvania – 41 percent of traffic fatalities were related to speeding, and there were 459 speed-related fatalities.
6. New Mexico – 40 percent of traffic fatalities were related to speeding, and there were 160 speed-related fatalities.
7. Montana – 39 percent of traffic fatalities were related to speeding, and there were 83 speed-related fatalities.
8. Illinois – 39 percent of traffic fatalities were related to speeding, and there were 460 speed-related fatalities.
9. Texas – 37 percent of traffic fatalities were related to speeding, and there were 1,446 speed-related fatalities.
10. New York – 36 percent of traffic fatalities were related to speeding, and there were 378 speed-related fatalities.

Factors Contributing to High Numbers of Speed-Related Traffic Deaths in SC

Many traffic safety experts attribute the recent increase in speed-related traffic deaths to the lockdowns during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. With fewer vehicles on the road, motorists could drive much faster than before. Once restrictions eased and drivers got back on the road, motorists failed to reduce their speed accordingly.

Furthermore, South Carolina’s warm climate may contribute to speeding, as drivers are more likely to become stressed on hot days. Speeding, in combination with other high-risk behaviors such as distracted driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, can significantly increase the chances that a driver will cause a motor vehicle accident.

Talk to Our Experienced Speeding Car Accident Lawyer in Greenville Today

If you have suffered injuries in a car accident caused by a speeding driver, you deserve to pursue compensation and justice. Contact The Melonakos Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options with our Greenville speeding car accident lawyers. We focus exclusively on personal injury cases and won’t hesitate to take a case to trial if necessary to pursue the financial relief you deserve.

Michael Melonakos

Michael, a lawyer who honed his skills at premier Atlanta insurance defense firms, specializes in cases involving trucking, auto, and premises liability, adeptly representing both local and national clients.