Last weekend, the Myrtle Beach Sun News reported that two people were killed in a head-on crash involving an SUV and pickup truck, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The two-vehicle collision happened when the SUV was heading west on S.C. 64 when it crossed left of the center line near the intersection with U.S. 15, near Interstate 95, and collided with an eastbound pickup truck. The accident killed both drivers.
While the cause of the accident is still under investigation, residents in Myrtle Beach are seeing more and more traffic collisions each year, which are resulting in severe injuries and tragic fatalities.
Our South Carolina car accident attorneys know that vehicle collision, injuries, and fatalities are on track to surpass last year’s totals. The bigger question is, why? And, how can we stop this disturbing trend? Here is what Myrtle Beach residents need to know.
The Major Causes of Myrtle Beach Auto Accidents and How They Can Be Prevented
Like other states, there are common causes that lead to car accidents in South Carolina. Unfortunately, some of these major causes stand out, specifically in Myrtle Beach, because of the city’s high tourism rate.
Fewer than 34,000 people call Myrtle Beach home, but 19 million people visit the city each year.
Because of the laid-back vacation landscape, drinking is a common way tourists and locals alike unwind.
Unfortunately, according to the South Carolina Traffic Collision Factbook, alcohol and drug use was involved in 30% of all fatal vehicle collisions in South Carolina last year.
Other common causes of Myrtle beach car accidents include:
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Running stop signs
- Improper turning
- Driver fatigue
With so much to see in Myrtle Beach, including the Grand Strand, which is 60 uninterrupted miles of beaches, dining, entertainment, and nightlife, there are multiple reasons drivers become distracted by all the area has to offer.
Some are busy looking down at their phones for directions, some are more engaged in people watching than driving, and others are simply overwhelmed by their surroundings. Whatever it may be, distracted driving can cause significant traffic collisions that lead to severe injuries to vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
To help avoid distractions while you drive, plan by programming your destination into your GPS device before you go. Next, look for parking near your destination, so you can stop driving and start walking. Finally, keep your eyes, ears, and mind focused on driving. Nothing is more important than getting to and from your destination safely.
- Speeding & Recklessness Driving
With so many people enjoying Myrtle Beach at once, speeding and/or reckless driving can lead to multi-vehicle pile ups with tragic results.
Whether it is out-of-towners speeding to get to their vacation destination faster, locals who are participating in street racing, or other dangerous driving activities — like abruptly switching lanes — surpassing the speed limit can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, causing significant impact injuries or even fatalities to other motorists.
Even if you are not the one who is driving under the influence, speeding, or distracted, negligent drivers are everywhere in Myrtle Beach. While we hope you never need us, we are here if you do.
Contact Our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers in Myrtle Beach to Schedule a consultation Today
Contact our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers in Myrtle Beach today by calling (803) 258-6199 to learn more about your legal rights and options to hold the negligent driver liable for your complete recovery needs.
We provide consultations for all personal injury cases in South Carolina, and never charge any legal fees unless we deliver a positive outcome for your unique case.