Study Finds That Condition of South Carolina’s Roads Contributes to Car Accidents

A report recently released by TRIP, a national nonprofit transportation research group based in Washington, DC., evaluates the various road conditions throughout South Carolina. The report, “South Carolina Transportation by the Numbers: Meeting the State’s Need for Safe and Efficient Mobility,” delivers key facts and figures into road and bridge conditions, economic development, highway safety and transportation funding in South Carolina. Ultimately, the report found that the state “must improve its system of roads, highways and bridges to foster economic growth and keep businesses in the state.”
South Carolina Roads Lack Adequate Safety Features
Another key part of the report looked into overall traffic safety in South Carolina and the effect that the condition of the roads have on traffic-related deaths. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,315 people died in motor vehicle crashes in South Carolina from 2008 through 2012. This resulted in an average of 863 traffic-related deaths each year. In 2012, South Carolina, along with West Virginia, had the highest traffic fatality rate in the United States. South Carolina’s traffic fatality rate was 1.76 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel. This rate was markedly higher than the national average of 1.13 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel.
The report believes that there are three primary factors that contribute to traffic-related deaths. These factors include driver behavior, vehicle characteristics and roadway features. In particular, according to the report, about one-third of fatal traffic crashes are caused by roadway features. Roadway features include:
•number of lanes;
•lane width;
•lighting;
•lane markings;
•rumble strips;
•shoulders;
•guard rails and other shielding devices;
•median barriers; and
•intersection design.
The report identified several measures to improve the road conditions that will help reduce the number of traffic-related deaths in South Carolina. These measures include “roadway improvements such as adding turn lanes, removing or shielding obstacles, adding or improving medians, widening lanes, widening and paving shoulders, improving intersection layout, and providing better road markings and upgrading or installing traffic signals.” The report noted another study in Texas that found road improvements within the Texas are likely to save 880 lives over the next 20 years.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact a Greenville, South Carolina Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one is injured in a motor vehicle accident, an experienced Greenville SC Car Accident Attorney can help protect your rights. David R. Price, Jr. is an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney in Greenville, South Carolina.
From handling the insurance claims process to managing medical bills to filing a lawsuit, David R. Price, Jr. will be with you through the entire process to make sure that you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact a Greenville motor vehicle accident attorney today for a free initial consultation and case evaluation. You can call us today at 864.271.2636 or visit our office at 318 West Stone Avenue in Greenville.