Most Dangerous Roads in Spartanburg, SC

Car accidents are an unfortunate fact of life in South Carolina, with a collision occurring approximately every 3.7 minutes according to the South Carolina Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs (OHJSP). Of the state’s 46 counties, Spartanburg ranks number five for injurious and fatal traffic collisions. Understanding the most dangerous roads and common causes of accidents in Spartanburg can help motorists stay safe while traveling throughout the county.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Spartanburg, HawkLaw can help you explore your legal options for pursuing compensation. Talk to our Spartanburg car accident lawyers today for a complimentary consultation.*

What Are the Top Causes of Car Wrecks in Spartanburg, SC?

Spartanburg shares many of the same risks as other areas in South Carolina, with some of the top causes of accidents including:

• Speeding: Driving over the speed limit is a significant contributor to serious and fatal collisions.
• Distracted Driving: Activities like texting, eating, and others divert drivers’ attention from the road.
• Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: Many accidents occur at intersections when drivers fail to yield properly.
• Improper Lane Changes: Failing to signal or check blind spots can lead to dangerous collisions with other vehicles.
• Other Factors: Other common causes of accidents include impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs as well as poor road conditions.

Car Accidents in South Carolina: A Statewide Concern

South Carolina is known for having one of the highest rates of traffic accidents in the nation. In 2022, the state saw a staggering 50,172 reported injuries and 1,093 traffic fatalities, as highlighted in the 2022 South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book. These statistics underscore the pervasiveness of car crashes across the state.

How Common Are Car Collisions in Spartanburg, SC?

Spartanburg County ranks fifth in South Carolina for the total number of crashes, making it one of the most accident-prone regions in the state. In 2022, the county experienced 10,685 reported collisions, with 2,279 resulting in injuries and 52 resulting in fatalities.

A closer look reveals that busy thoroughfares like Interstate 85 and major urban intersections contribute disproportionately to the county’s collision rates. Spartanburg’s mix of urban, suburban, and rural roads creates a variety of challenges, from high-speed crashes on interstates to fender benders at congested stoplights.

Which Roadways and Intersections Are the Deadliest in Spartanburg, SC?

There are a few main roadways and intersections to be aware of when looking at deadly accident locations in Spartanburg. According to 2022 data from the OHJSP, these include major highways such as:

• I-85, with 1,073 collisions
• US-29, with 1,053 collisions
• US-176, with 625 collisions
• US 221, with 553 collisions
• SC-9, with 491 collisions

Due to the large volume of vehicles constantly traveling on I-85, collisions typically occur at major intersections along this route, including:

• I-85 and SC-290, with 171 collisions
• I-85 and S-57, with 136 collisions
• I-85 and SC-01, with 115 collisions
• I-85 and US-29, with 108 collisions
• I-85 and SC-14, with 108 collisions

The Broader Impact

The combination of high-speed crashes on major highways and intersection-related collisions in urban areas highlights the diverse safety challenges across Spartanburg County. Many of these locations need more infrastructure to manage their heavy traffic loads, including clear lane markings, pedestrian crossings, or advanced warning systems for drivers.

Addressing these issues is critical for reducing fatalities and serious injuries. Local authorities are implementing improvements such as resurfacing of key roadways, signal upgrades, roundabouts, and more to address these high-risk areas. However, drivers must exercise caution when navigating Spartanburg’s most dangerous roadways and intersections until these updates happen.

What Spartanburg Streets Are the Most Dangerous?

Spartanburg County has developed a High Injury Network (HIN) which pinpoints roadways with disproportionately high numbers of traffic collisions, severe injuries, and fatalities. These streets are particularly hazardous due to high traffic volumes, poor roadway design, and risky driving behaviors.

Some of the most concerning roads are primarily those that run directly through the city center, where vehicle and pedestrian activity is most concentrated. These include:

• East Main Street
• Pine Street
• Church Street
• Saint John Street
• John B White Sr Boulevard

There are also a number of roads outside the city center that the county is prioritizing, including Reidville Road, Boiling Springs Road, and Chesnee Highway.

How is Spartanburg Road Safety Being Improved?

Spartanburg County is planning to improve roadway safety through a comprehensive set of strategies outlined in the county’s Safety Action Plan, which proposes potential improvements such as:

• Enhanced Roadway Features & Maintenance: Repaving and restriping critical locations, installing reflectors at curves and bridges, and implementing routine resurfacing.
• Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Measures: Creating pedestrian refuge islands; increased buffers between roads and sidewalks, such as trees; and implementing leading pedestrian intervals at intersections.
• Intersection Upgrades: Introducing roundabouts, prohibiting left turns when pedestrians are crossing, and closing slip lanes.

These strategies prioritize the high-risk areas identified in the HIN, where data indicates most accidents occur, ensuring that resources are focused where they are needed most.

What To Do After a Car Accident in Spartanburg, SC

If you’re involved in a car accident in Spartanburg, it’s crucial to take the right steps to protect your health, your rights, and your ability to seek compensation. Knowing what to do—and what not to do—can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. If you don’t understand all the car accident laws, here are some basics to know if you are in an accident.

Dos

• Seek medical attention immediately: Even if your injuries seem minor at first, some symptoms may not appear until hours or days later. Getting evaluated by a healthcare professional confirms that you receive proper treatment and creates a medical record to support your claim.
• Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information for other drivers, passengers, and witnesses, and make note of key details like weather and traffic conditions at the time of the accident.
• Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurer about the incident as soon as possible. Provide the facts but avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve consulted with an attorney.

Don’ts

• Don’t admit fault or apologize: While it’s natural to feel sympathetic after an accident, statements like “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of liability, which may weaken your claim.
• Don’t delay contacting an attorney: Waiting too long to seek legal counsel could result in lost evidence, missed deadlines, or accepting an inadequate settlement offer. An experienced Spartanburg car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and advocate for your interests.

If You’ve Been Injured in Spartanburg Car Crash, Let’s Talk

Navigating the aftermath of a Spartanburg car accident can be overwhelming. HawkLaw is here to help. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of personal injury cases and are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.* Let us fight for you so you can focus on recovery.