Study: S.C. Highways Most Deadly in America
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
South Carolina’s highways have earned a grim distinction: they are the deadliest in America, according to newly released research analyzing crash data across all 50 states for the years 2019 through 2023.
A report issued by Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers found that South Carolina experienced an average of 110 state highway crashes per million residents—139% higher than the national average of 46. The state, with a population of roughly 5.2 million, recorded an annual average of 575 crashes, and in 2021 suffered its worst year, with 629 collisions. Only in 2019 did numbers dip, reaching a five-year low of 537 crashes.
In Anderson County, the situation is little better. One-third of all bridges in the county cannot be traversed by a fire truck or school bus, while one-third of all the county’s 1,554 miles of roads are in failed or failing condition.
Anderson County Council put together a Capital Sales Tax Committee earlier this year to study and craft the details for a referendum in November asking voters for a one-percent sales tax to fund repair and maintenance of roads and bridges.
“Anderson County’s roads have become a real safety concern,” said Anderson County Councilman Chris Sulivan. “Every day, families, school buses, and first responders travel on roads that are crumbling and dangerous. We can’t afford to wait until more lives are lost or accidents happen—I feel strongly that our community deserves safe, reliable roads.“
The proposed one-penny sales tax is estimated to generate approximately $350 million over its eight-year lifespan. Council Vice Chairman Brett Sanders has noted a significant benefit: "35 percent of this amount would be paid by those visiting Anderson County," meaning an estimated $128 million would come from non-residents.
The urgency for new funding is underscored by the current state of the county's infrastructure. Anderson County currently allocates about $800,000 for asphalt and potholes. While the $.28 South Carolina Gasoline Tax brings in around $8 million annually for the county, with 3.99 cents per gallon specifically designated for "C-Funds" (which provided $8.9 million in 2023-24), this is only enough to pave about nine miles of roads annually if completely distributed in a single year, which is not the case.
A detailed evaluation of the county’s 1,554 miles of roads completed in June 2023 by the Roadway Asset Services (RAS) group found that "more than a third of all roads are already in poor or failing condition," requiring an estimated $1 million per mile to remedy. Alarmingly, one-third of the county's bridges cannot be used by firetrucks or school buses due to their age or structural concerns. These deteriorating conditions contribute to safety issues, with poor roads implicated in numerous vehicle accidents, injuries, and deaths each year.
National studies suggest that well-maintained roads offer significant savings for drivers, and estimated a savings of an average of $591 annually per driver in avoided repairs. Properly maintained infrastructure is also considered crucial for the county’s future economic development, as companies weigh road conditions when scouting locations.
Sullivan said he has been working to show the community why approving the referendum is important.
“After speaking out in the community regarding the pending vote on the Capital Project Sales Tax, the one part of my presentation that gets the most attention is the area documenting the wrecks and fatalities,” said Sullivan. “It’s shocking and fixing our roads must be priority #1 for all residents of Anderson County.”
The findings underscore persistent infrastructure and enforcement challenges in South Carolina, where fatal and serious traffic crashes in 2023 alone resulted in $30.9 billion in economic and quality-of-life losses.
“South Carolina stands out with highway crash rates well above the national average,” a spokesperson for the law firm said. “This serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for stronger safety measures, targeted infrastructure improvements, and public awareness campaigns. Without decisive action, communities in these regions remain at greater risk of devastating losses on their roads.”
For policymakers, the alarming data amounts to a call for urgent reform. As national officials and the state’s highway safety agency push new strategies—from stricter traffic law enforcement to advanced vehicle technology and roadway design—South Carolina’s drivers face daily risks that exceed those in almost any other state.
With the fatality rate remaining stubbornly high and public costs skyrocketing, South Carolina is at the center of America’s ongoing traffic safety crisis—where progress may depend on how quickly leaders, and voters, respond to the state’s deadly reputation.
