Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in SC

Nancy Salley • October 10, 2018
As a driver, you should always be aware of other drivers’ behavior on the road. Whether you notice someone swerving or being aggressive, you typically tend to avoid those people or call the police before they hurt themselves or someone else. In South Carolina, there are many causes for auto accidents.

The top contributing factors that resulted in a fatal collision are:

  • Driving Under the Influence (Intoxicated)
According to South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book 2016, driving under the influence accounted for 206 fatal collisions in 2016. Being under the influence can include impairment due to consumption of alcohol, legal drugs (prescribed or over the counter medications) and/or illegal drugs.

  • Too Fast for Weather Conditions
According to the same study, 199 fatal collisions were due to speeding in hazardous weather conditions. It is always a good precautionary measure to reduce your speed and allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination. The weather can have a big impact on your visibility and your braking distance.

  • Failure to Yield Right of Way
115 fatal collisions were due to failure to yield right of way. Failure to yield refers to:

  • Four-Way Intersection
The car that was at the four-way stop first, has the right of way. If both cars enter the four-way top at the same time, the car on the left must yield the right of way to the car on the right.

  • Three-Way Intersection
The car that is on the road where it is ending, should yield to the driver that is on a through street.

  • When Making a Left Turn
You must always consider the oncoming cars when making a left-hand turn.

  • Not Coming to a Complete Stop or Yielding Properly
Coming to a complete stop is important to adhere to so that you are aware of what other motorists’ intentions are.


 If you or someone you know has sustained serious personal injuries from a car wreck in the Lexington, SC and surrounding areas caused by someone else’s negligence, the experienced attorneys at Salley Law Firm, P.A. can help. Please give us a call today at (803) 356-5000 for a free consultation.
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