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South Carolina highways are among the most dangerous in the U.S. Between 2012 and 2016, there were 6,800 crashes that resulted in fatalities or serious injuries. But South Carolina’s Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is working to improve the quality and safety of our rural roads.

Phase 1 of the Rural Road Safety Program began last year, when 500 miles of rural roads were approved for safety enhancements. Officials said 30 percent of the state’s fatal and serious injury accidents are happening on just 5 percent of the state’s roads. Those roads are the focus of this initiative.

This fall marks the beginning of Phase 2, in which an additional 446 miles of road will receive safety enhancements. These enhancements include adding rumble strips to the sides of the roads to alert drivers when they might be straying from their lane. The DOT is also adding more guardrails and widening the shoulders of the highways.

The Rural Roads Safety Program is a welcome change for many South Carolina residents. One local woman, Sandra Gunter, knows all too well how problematic these roads are. She lives near U.S. highway 601 and says that one of the biggest problems is the lack of space on the road.

Beyond that, she has suggestions for improved safety of 601. “Highlighting roads where the stripes are so people can see them when you’re driving at night would be perfect,” Gunter said. “If you’re not familiar with 601 it can really be hazardous.”

We Are Here To Help

Everyone at Lourie Law Firm knows just how dangerous our roads are, and we are doing our part to call attention to this problem. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident on one of our hazardous highways, contact us today. We have been helping injured South Carolinians for decades, and we can help you, too.

Our South Carolina car accident lawyers can provide you with a free case consultation to help guide you in the right direction. If you’ve been hurt, don’t wait. Call us today.