While South Carolina boasts picturesque landscapes, historic cities, and a charming culture, it is also home to some of the nation’s most perilous roads, as indicated by various studies and reports. Among them, U.S. Route 17, a coastal highway stretching from Florida to Virginia and passing through popular destinations like Myrtle Beach and Charleston, stands out.
Why is U.S. 17 considered dangerous?
U.S. 17 serves as a crucial traffic artery in South Carolina, particularly during the summer influx of millions of visitors to the state’s beaches and attractions. However, the road poses numerous hazards for drivers, including:
- Wildlife Crossings: Passing through wildlife habitats like the Francis Marion National Forest and the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, the road exposes drivers to deer, bears, alligators, and other animals—especially at night or during dawn and dusk.
- Narrow Lanes: Many sections feature only two lanes, one in each direction, without a median or shoulder, leaving little room for error or emergency maneuvering.
- Sharp Turns and Sudden Curves: Following the coastal contours results in numerous twists and turns that can surprise unfamiliar or speeding drivers.
- Congestion and Speeding: The road often experiences heavy traffic, leading to frustration, impatience, and aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving, and speeding. Speeding is a significant factor in fatal crashes on U.S. 17, contributing to loss of vehicle control or failure to react in time.
What do the statistics and rankings reveal?
Findings from a study by findbyplate.com identify U.S. 17 in South Carolina as the fifth most dangerous road in the U.S., based on the number of fatal crashes per mile from 2016 to 2019¹. During this period, the road witnessed 27 fatal crashes and 32 deaths, averaging 0.27 fatal crashes per mile.
Another study by Zinda Law Group ranked South Carolina as the second deadliest state for car crashes in the U.S., with a fatality rate of 23.1 deaths per 100,000 population from 2019 to 2021². This study also highlighted U.S. 17, along with Interstate 95 and U.S. 76, as among the most perilous roads in the state.
What are the proposed solutions and recommendations?
Several initiatives aim to enhance safety on U.S. 17 in South Carolina, including widening the road, adding medians and shoulders, installing traffic signals and signs, and enforcing speed limits and laws. However, addressing human factors and behaviors remains crucial to preventing accidents and fatalities.
Therefore, drivers on U.S. 17 should exercise caution and vigilance, following these recommendations:
- Plan Ahead: Check weather, traffic, and road conditions, and avoid driving during peak hours or seasons if possible. Plan your route and know where to exit or stop for necessities.
- Drive Defensively: Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, use signals, obey speed limits and signs, and stay alert to surroundings, including wildlife, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. Avoid driving under the influence and refrain from texting while driving.
- Be Prepared: Keep an emergency kit in your car with essentials such as water, food, flashlight, jumper cables, a first aid kit, and flares. Have insurance and contact information readily available and know what to do in case of a breakdown or crash.
While U.S. 17 in South Carolina offers a beautiful and convenient route, it also presents dangers. By adhering to these tips and being a responsible driver, individuals can contribute to reducing the risk of accidents and injuries on this road, ensuring a safer and smoother journey.