Drunk Driving Deaths Remain a Serious Problem in South Carolina
Drunk driving fatalities in South Carolina remain a big problem, according to a recent study conducted by ValuePenguin, which ranked South Carolina among the top 10 states for the most drunk driving fatalities.
ValuePenguin based its study on drunk driving statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In particular, the study examined drunk driving deaths nationwide and by state from 2004 to 2018.
South Carolina drunk driving fatalities
Nationwide, 30 percent of all car accident deaths between 2004 and 2018 were caused by drunk drivers. That 30 percent figure adds up to 168,744 drunk driving deaths. A driver is legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher.
So, how did South Carolina compare to other states regarding drunk driving fatalities? The state was ranked 6th for the most drunk driving deaths between 2004 and 2018. During that time, 5,387 people died in drunk driving accidents in South Carolina, which adds up to 38 percent of the state’s car accident fatalities.
Sadly, the problem is getting worse. In 2020, a total of 315 people died in drunk driving accidents in South Carolina. That figure represented an increase of 14.1 percent compared to 2019, when drunk drivers killed 276 people.
Study reveals more drunk driving data
ValuePenguin’s in-depth study revealed other important details about drunk driving accidents. In particular, the study examined what roads drunk driving crashes occur on the most frequently and who causes such accidents the most.
Not surprisingly, younger drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 cause many drunk driving accidents, even though drivers under age 21 are not allowed to drink alcohol legally. Specifically, 24.5 percent of drunk driving fatalities involve impaired drivers ages 16 to 24.
As for where drunk driving accidents happen, 28 percent occur on state highways, followed by 19 percent on county roads. According to the study, local streets finished third, with 18 percent of drunk driving fatalities occurring on these roads.
Hit by a drunk driver in South Carolina? You have rights, and we can protect them.
You might think you don’t need a car accident attorney if you were injured because a drunk driver hit you. For example, you may think that your losses will be covered since a local police officer or state trooper from the South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating your accident. But it’s important to understand that the police investigation only focuses on determining who caused the accident and whether the motorist was driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police are not focused on whether you’re fairly compensated for your accident-related expenses, which can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. That’s our job. That’s why it’s important that you have an experienced South Carolina drunk driving accident lawyer from Twenge + Twombley handling your case as soon as possible. If a drunk driver hit you in Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, or anywhere else in the state, our legal team can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to under South Carolina law.
Founded by attorneys Karl D. Twenge and J. Ashley Twombley, we have a reputation as a small law firm that knows how to deliver big results. In addition, we also offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis, meaning there’s no money down required, and you pay no fees unless we win your case. Discover what we can do for you. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.