South Carolina 18th most dangerous state to drive in over Labor Day weekend, study shows

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Fatal crash rates in South Carolina were 14% higher over Labor Day weekend than the state’s average rate, with its roads the 18th most dangerous overall across the holiday, a newly issued study found.

“Labor Day is a welcome break for many as we enter fall. However, holiday periods often bring increased risks on the road as people are often distracted by vacation plans,” Auto Accident Team CEO Leo Danconia said in a statement.

The organization, which helps connect people with attorneys following motor vehicle wrecks, compiled National Traffic Safety Administration data between 2013 and 2022.

According to its findings, the Palmetto State saw 112 Labor Day weekend crashes over that time, a rate that’s 13% higher for the corresponding times four weeks before and four weeks after the holiday.

Overall, South Carolina ranked as the 18th most dangerous to drive in over Labor Day weekend. Vermont topped the list while Hawaii was safest, the study found.

As the summer’s last big travel weekend, Danconia said many factors contribute to the chances of being involved in an accident.

“These plans can often put people under pressure to keep to a schedule they are not used to, and potentially have this happen in areas they aren’t familiar with,” he said.

In 2022, Horry County’s 11,076 collisions put it among the state’s top five, according to South Carolina Department of Public Safety statistics.

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