Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, South Carolina recorded 5,443 traffic deaths in 5,019 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 20.6 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #5 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
South Carolina Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous South Carolina Cities to Drive In
All 30 ranked South Carolina cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (5-Yr) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hardeeville | 97/100 | 18 | 26.2 |
| 2 | Myrtle Beach | 95/100 | 45 | 21.9 |
| 3 | West Columbia | 94/100 | 19 | 20.4 |
| 4 | North Charleston | 94/100 | 125 | 20.2 |
| 5 | North Myrtle Beach | 90/100 | 18 | 17.3 |
| 6 | Conway | 86/100 | 22 | 15.2 |
| 7 | Greenville | 85/100 | 55 | 15.0 |
| 8 | Cayce | 85/100 | 10 | 14.7 |
| 9 | Columbia | 85/100 | 106 | 14.7 |
| 10 | Florence | 82/100 | 28 | 13.7 |
| 11 | Sumter | 80/100 | 28 | 13.2 |
| 12 | Charleston | 71/100 | 88 | 11.2 |
| 13 | Moncks Corner | 71/100 | 10 | 11.2 |
| 14 | Anderson | 67/100 | 16 | 10.6 |
| 15 | Easley | 66/100 | 14 | 10.1 |
| 16 | Gaffney | 63/100 | 6 | 9.7 |
| 17 | Aiken | 54/100 | 14 | 8.4 |
| 18 | Greer | 54/100 | 20 | 8.4 |
| 19 | North Augusta | 53/100 | 11 | 8.3 |
| 20 | Rock Hill | 46/100 | 28 | 7.4 |
| 21 | Port Royal | 44/100 | 6 | 7.1 |
| 22 | Clemson | 32/100 | 5 | 5.6 |
| 23 | Goose Creek | 32/100 | 14 | 5.6 |
| 24 | Summerville | 30/100 | 14 | 5.4 |
| 25 | Bluffton | 29/100 | 10 | 5.3 |
| 26 | Simpsonville | 10/100 | 4 | 2.8 |
| 27 | Mauldin | 10/100 | 4 | 2.7 |
| 28 | Fort Mill | 10/100 | 5 | 2.7 |
| 29 | Lexington | 8/100 | 3 | 2.4 |
| 30 | Mount Pleasant | 1/100 | 2 | 0.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in South Carolina?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 5,019 fatal car accidents in South Carolina over the most recent five-year period, killing 5,443 people — an average of 1,089 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are South Carolina roads compared to other states?
South Carolina averages 20.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #5 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in South Carolina?
Of South Carolina's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 33% involved a drinking driver, 40% involved speeding, and 53% happened in dark conditions.
Which South Carolina city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked South Carolina cities, Hardeeville has the highest Road Danger Score (97/100) at 26.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.