South Carolina Recorded High Traffic Fatalities in 2024

State traffic fatality rates remained significantly above the national average throughout the 2024 calendar year.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a lonely highway pavement receding into a distance, evoking traffic safety statistics. — South Carolina recorded 1,038 traffic fatalities in 2024, maintaining one of the highest death rates per vehicle mile in the nation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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South Carolina recorded 1,038 traffic deaths in 2024, placing the state among the highest in the nation for fatalities per vehicle miles traveled. This data reflects persistent safety challenges, with rates far exceeding the 2024 national average of 1.19 deaths per 100 million miles.

Why it matters

High rates of impaired driving and speeding contribute to the state's elevated fatality metrics compared to the rest of the country. Understanding these underlying behaviors is essential for state agencies to address the frequent accidents occurring on South Carolina roadways.

South Carolina reported 1.67 traffic deaths per 100 million miles in 2024, significantly higher than the 1.19 national average. Officials noted that 41% of drivers killed in crashes had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.

The players

SC Department of Transportation

This state agency manages the planning, construction, and maintenance of the highway system and transportation infrastructure throughout South Carolina.

SC Department of Public Safety

This organization oversees highway patrol and public safety initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and enforcing traffic laws within the state.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

This independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization researches ways to reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage from motor vehicle crashes.

The details

Speeding was a factor in 38% of fatal crashes, while the state maintained the highest national share of car-occupant deaths at 38%. Fatalities in the state were 18% higher in 2021 than in 2024, showing a slight long-term decline in total fatal crash incidents.

2021: Traffic fatalities were 18% higher than recorded in 2024.
2024: The state saw 1,038 total traffic deaths throughout the year.
2025: Traffic records show 687 total deaths occurred during this year.
September 2026: Year-to-date figures indicate 633 traffic deaths recorded.

The Big Picture

The state's analysis aligns with the metrics established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fatality reporting standards. This consistency allows for a clear comparison between South Carolina's road safety outcomes and broader national trends.

Drivers in the area should remain vigilant regarding speeding and impaired driving, which remain the leading contributors to fatal crashes. Residents may notice increased enforcement or safety campaigns designed to lower these persistent death rates on state roads.

The takeaway

Traffic safety in South Carolina remains a critical concern, with rates of impaired driving and speeding significantly exceeding national benchmarks. Drivers can prioritize safety by strictly adhering to speed limits and avoiding alcohol consumption before operating a vehicle.