What city has the worst drivers? Just ask drivers in the Holy City, or better yet, watch out for them.
After analyzing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a report from ConsumerAffairs found Charleston to be among the top ten cities with the worst drivers in the country in 2025. With an astounding leap from 133rd to 10th place in just one year, concern is rising about traffic safety across the Lowcountry.
Alcohol Consumption and Speeding Partially to Blame for the One-Year Jump
According to ConsumerAffairs, “the jump in rankings can be attributed, at least in part, to high rates of fatalities that involved positive BAC readings and speeding.”
According to the data, 23 deaths have occurred so far this year, with 13 connected to speeding and five related to impaired driving. With 15.13 traffic fatalities per 100,000 residents, higher than the national average of 12.31, it’s clear that Charleston’s roadways are becoming increasingly dangerous.
Other key data presented in the report include the following:
- Charleston has the fourth-highest rate of deaths involving positive blood alcohol content (BAC) readings
- Had the 11th-highest rate of fatalities involving speeding (more than double the national average)
- Distracted or inattentive driving contributes to more than 200,000 crashes every year in South Carolina
“A separate ConsumerAffairs survey found that one in four drivers admits to texting behind the wheel, and more than 80% admit to speeding at least occasionally,” ConsumerAffairs Media Relations Specialist Dayna Edens told ABC4 News.
“When you pair that with Charleston’s crash data, it’s clear that road safety isn’t just about enforcement or fixing infrastructure, it’s about changing habits behind the wheel.”
What Your Car Accident Lawyers Want You to Do After a Crash
While you can never adequately plan for a car accident, you can prepare yourself with the knowledge of what to do in the event of the unexpected.
1. Remain Calm and Assess For Injuries
Car accidents can be stressful and overwhelming, but it is essential to remain calm. Staying calm will enable you to maintain control of the situation and facilitate navigating the next steps with ease.
During this time, check that you and your passengers are safe and uninjured. If someone is injured, ensure they are out of harm’s way and call 911 immediately.
2. Move Out of Harm’s Way, If Possible
If everyone is safe and uninjured and your vehicle is drivable, try to move it to the side of the road or as far from oncoming traffic as possible. Remain close to the scene of the accident and use your hazard lights to signal to other drivers that there is a problem and to be on alert.
3. Call the Police
No matter if the accident is a minor fender-bender or a serious crash, call the police to the scene. The officers will complete a police report, which will contain personal information of the parties involved, a detailed account of the accident, and witness statements, among other relevant information.
Be sure to obtain the name and badge number of the officers you interacted with, along with a copy of the police report or a method for obtaining it in the future.
4. Exchange and Document the Scene
While the police report will include detailed information about the accident, it’s always helpful to have your own evidence. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle and to the other vehicles involved.
After photos are taken, exchange personal information with the other parties involved in the accident, along with car makes and models, license plate numbers, and driver’s license numbers.
5. Contact a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer Near You
In many cases, drivers will contact the insurance company and provide statements related to the accident, believing it to be the final step towards compensation.
Before getting in touch with any insurance companies, contact our team at Hoffman Law Firm so you have a trusted and knowledgeable attorney by your side.
Sometimes, the statement you provide to insurance companies can be used against you, affecting your compensation and hindering your car accident claim. At our personal injury law firm, our team of skilled car accident attorneys can help you navigate your claim and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Protect Yourself Against Charleston Drivers with Help From Hoffman Law Firm
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is never easy, and when it comes to driving on Charleston roadways, the risk of experiencing a car accident may be growing by the day.
In light of the facts and statistics, our team is here to help make the process easier.
With offices in Charleston, SC, and Georgetown, SC, we proudly advocate for accident victims throughout the Palmetto State. As the locals’ trusted personal injury law firm, we have extensive experience handling a wide variety of cases.
We have established a reputation for success and excellent service! To meet with a member of our team, schedule your free consultation today. We are here to help!
Discover more local news on auto accidents & driving safety concern here:
- South Carolina Ranks High For Dangerous Drivers
- How Long Does It Take To Settle A Personal Injury Claim in Charleston?
- The Importance of Taking Photos For Evidence After Your Car Accident in Charleston
- What to Do After A Hit and Run in Charleston
- 3 Reasons to Hire a Charleston Car Accident Attorney
- Can I Seek Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries in Charleston?
- Maserati Crashes into Deli in Downtown Charleston Early Tuesday Morning
- Mt Pleasant High School Student Struck by Vehicle Raises Safety Concerns
- 3 Dead Following Two Single-Vehicle Crashes in the North Charleston Area
- Hit-and-Run of Motorcycle in Ladson Road Leaves 1 Dead, 1 Injured
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