February 18, 2025 | Car Accidents

Interstate 95 cuts through South Carolina for 198 miles and is one of the most dangerous highways in the state. In 2021 alone, this single highway was the site of 32 fatal collisions and 41 serious injury crashes. Only I-26 had more fatal accidents that year.

The number of accidents on South Carolina’s stretch of Interstate 95 totaled 2,186 out of the cumulative 16,513 crashes witnessed on interstate highways in just one year. Figures like these are concerning and show why I-95 has earned its reputation as South Carolina’s most dangerous road.

Why Does I-95 Experience So Many Crashes?

As the primary route connecting Maine to Florida, I-95 sees massive amounts of through traffic. But volume alone doesn’t explain the crash rates. 

Several other factors contribute, including:

  • High-speed traffic mixing with local drivers entering and exiting frequently
  • Long, monotonous stretches that can lead to driver fatigue
  • Heavy truck traffic carrying goods up and down the East Coast
  • Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in coastal areas
  • Aging infrastructure in certain sections
  • Out-of-state drivers unfamiliar with local conditions

Each of these factors compounds the others, increasing the overall likelihood of car accidents.

The Most Dangerous Sections

Some parts of I-95 are more dangerous than others. 

In particular, the areas around major interchanges experience significantly more accidents, most notably:

  • The I-26 interchange near St. George
  • The stretch between Florence and Dillon
  • Sections near busy rest areas and truck stops
  • Areas with ongoing construction work
  • Stretches with frequent lane mergers

These high-risk zones require extra vigilance, particularly during peak travel times or adverse weather conditions.

Common Types of Accidents On I-95

Different types of crashes tend to occur in different conditions. For instance, single-vehicle accidents often happen late at night, while multi-vehicle pile-ups are more common during rush hour or bad weather.

The most frequent types of accidents on I-95 through South Carolina involve:

  • Rear-end collisions in heavy traffic
  • Sideswipe crashes during lane changes
  • Rollover accidents in inclement weather
  • Multi-vehicle pileups in construction zones
  • Single-vehicle crashes due to driver fatigue

Recognizing these patterns can help you identify when and where to be most cautious.

Construction And Road Conditions

While South Carolina’s Department of Transportation (SCDOT) continues working to improve I-95’s infrastructure, construction itself creates additional hazards. 

Many stretches still have:

  • Uneven pavement that can cause loss of control
  • Outdated signage that confuses drivers
  • Sudden lane shifts in work zones
  • Narrow shoulders in construction areas
  • Poor drainage during heavy rain

These conditions demand extra attention and reduced speeds. Unfortunately, not all drivers are willing to cooperate.

Staying Safe On I-95

It’s not possible to completely eliminate risk when driving on the interstate. 

However, drivers can adopt certain practices that may reduce their chances of being involved in an accident, such as:

  • Maintaining a safe following distance, especially around trucks
  • Taking regular breaks on long trips to avoid fatigue
  • Checking weather conditions before traveling
  • Keeping cars and motorcycles properly maintained
  • Staying focused and eliminating distractions
  • Planning trips to avoid peak traffic hours
  • Reducing speed in work zones

Following these guidelines can greatly improve your chances of a safe journey.

Safety Improvements On South Carolina Roads 

SCDOT has plans for several safety improvements along I-95, including widening certain sections and upgrading interchanges. 

These improvements focus on:

  • Adding lanes in high-traffic areas
  • Modernizing interchange designs
  • Improving drainage systems
  • Installing better signage
  • Widening shoulders

However, these changes call for increased patience and caution during implementation.

Be Vigilant While Traveling On I-95 Through South Carolina

Interstate 95 is one of South Carolina’s most important transport routes. Despite its many dangers, therefore, it’s impossible to avoid the route altogether. In fact, staying off one particular road doesn’t guarantee an accident-free driving experience. That said, being aware of what makes roads like I-95 so risky is the most critical step in avoiding vehicle accidents.

Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer at Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers Today

For more information, contact the car accident law firm of Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation. We have five convenient locations in South Carolina: Columbia, Lexington, Orangeburg, and Blythewood.

Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Columbia, SC
1333 Main St #510,
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 573-0869

Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Columbia, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.0036663,-81.0346429

Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Lexington, SC
5465 Sunset Blvd Suite B,
Lexington, SC 29072
(803) 721-4241

Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Lexington, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.9981412,-81.2202483

Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Orangeburg, SC
161 Elliott St SE Suite B,
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 884-2053

Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Orangeburg, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.4913915,-80.8608485

Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Blythewood, SC
749-2 University Village Dr,
Blythewood, SC 29016
(803) 866-5190

Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Blythewood, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.2165616,-80.9866654

Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Columbiana Dr
380 Columbiana Dr
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 866-5522

Our firm is located near you. We have a secondary office in Columbia, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.0857948,-81.1613165