News Summary
Recent data reveals that Interstate 95 holds the grim title of the deadliest highway in South Carolina, averaging 30 fatalities annually. This alarming trend contributes to a national rise in traffic-related deaths, prompting concerns about road safety. Tragic accidents on I-95 have drawn attention to its dangerous reputation, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures and public awareness to protect motorists.
Colleton County, SC — Interstate 95 (I-95) has been identified as the deadliest highway in South Carolina, averaging 30 fatalities per year, according to recent data from Insurance Comparison. This alarming statistic highlights the growing trend of traffic-related deaths, which have been on the rise across the United States.
In comparison, U.S. 1 in Florida tops the list for deadliest highways nationwide, with an average of 108 fatalities per year. Meanwhile, I-20, notably in Florence, South Carolina, ranks among the top ten deadliest interstates in the country, recording a total of 208 deaths in 2019 and exhibiting a distressing rate of 13.52 fatalities per 100 miles.
The increase in road fatalities has been a national concern, with the U.S. experiencing an 11% rise in traffic deaths in 2021. In 2020, a staggering 38,000 individuals lost their lives in traffic accidents, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that Americans collectively drive approximately 4 trillion miles annually, underscoring the enormity of roadway exposure.
Recent Accidents Highlight Traffic Dangers
Tragic incidents on I-95 have further drawn attention to the highway’s perilous reputation. On July 22, 2025, a multiple fatality crash occurred on the southbound lane at mile marker 41 in Colleton County. This collision began with three vehicles and led to a subsequent crash involving 13 more vehicles. The chaotic scene unfolded amid a heavy thunderstorm, resulting in “near zero visibility,” as confirmed by local emergency services. Two people died at the scene, while nine others were hospitalized with varying degrees of injury.
First responders described encountering two feet of shattered glass on the highway due to a semi-truck that was transporting sheets of plate glass. Some victims were trapped in their vehicles, and one person fell off a bridge into the Combahee River, fortunately sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
Additionally, another serious crash on I-95 near Hardeeville has prompted officials to alert drivers to avoid the area following a significant accident identified at the 8-mile marker.
Ongoing Concerns on South Carolina Roads
In an unrelated incident that occurred early on May 6, 2025, in Orangeburg County, a tragic collision claimed the lives of a couple, Kyle Greene, 32, and Sara E. Greene, 33. Their Chevrolet Equinox collided with a dump truck, resulting in their deaths from multiple blunt force injuries. The couple’s child, who was a back-seat passenger, was hospitalized, while the driver of the dump truck emerged unharmed. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.
As of early May 2025, South Carolina has seen 270 traffic fatalities within the year, a worrying trend compared to 948 fatalities reported in 2024. Orangeburg County alone has recorded at least seven fatalities this year, compared to 46 deaths during the entirety of 2024.
Escalating Traffic Fatalities
The deterioration of road safety has ignited urgent discussions about potential measures to improve driving conditions on highways like I-95. Authorities are under pressure to implement better safety regulations, increase public awareness, and enhance law enforcement on the highways to reduce the rising incidence of traffic accidents.
As these numbers continue to climb, it underscores the pressing need for motorists to remain vigilant and exercise caution while navigating South Carolina roads, particularly on notorious routes like I-95.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Independent Mail: Deadliest Interstates in South Carolina
- CDL Life: Double Fatality Pileup on I-95
- FitsNews: I-95 Reopens After Deadly Crash
- The State: Traffic Article
- Wikipedia: Interstate 95
