While county roads offer scenic views and peaceful drives, hidden hazards can turn a routine trip into a devastating accident. It is important for drivers to know these risks and what they can do to decrease the risk of a rural road crash in Charleston.
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Dangerous Rural Highways in the Charleston Area
Charleston’s rural areas have several dangerous routes where drivers need to be especially alert and take precautionary measures.
These hazardous major rural routes include:
- Highway 17 North: This highway runs through the towns of Awendaw and McClellanville. This remote route is known for its high traffic volume and wildlife crossings, which increases the risk of a crash.
- Highway 61:This remote highway, also known as Ashley River Road, considered hazardous due to its narrow lanes and lack of shoulders.
- Highway 41: Another well-known rural highway that runs through Francis Marion National Forest. It dangerous to drivers, especially in low light and adverse weather conditions, due to limited lighting and sharp curves.
- Highway 45: Drivers may be involved in a car accident on this highway due to its higher speeds, lack of safety features and limited emergency services.
Why Are Rural Roads So Dangerous?
Rural roads near Charleston present unique challenges that many drivers underestimate, such as:
Limited Emergency Response Available to Due Being Remote
After an accident, help takes longer to arrive in some rural areas. This can create critical and devastating circumstances for crash victims who are severely injured. For example, if someone suffers severe burns or lacerations, getting emergency medical care could make the difference in how well the victims recover.
Poor Road Maintenance
Rural roads are often maintained less frequently than city streets. Potholes, crumbling shoulders and faded lane markings add to already treacherous driving conditions. Poorly maintained roads during adverse weather make it even more challenging for drivers to see at night.
For example, uneven lanes may cause side-swipe car crashes. Potholes in bad condition could cause a vehicle’s tire to blow out, making a driver lose control of their car.
Lack of Safety Features
Unlike urban roads, many rural routes lack the following safety features. These safety features are designed to help drivers avoid accidents and view hidden hazards.
- Guardrails
- Reflective markers
- Adequate shoulder space
- Streetlights
- Clear signage
Environmental Factors
Common natural hazards in Charleston’s rural area include:
- Flooding During Heavy Rain: If there is flooding in a particular area, vehicles may get stuck. Depending on how high the water rises, some drivers could drown in their vehicles.
- Wildlife Crossings: Deer or wild boars could suddenly dart into the road. If drivers are unable to see them, it could cause a collision.
- Fallen Trees and Branches: In rural areas, maintaining the roads can be difficult due to the exclusivity of the area. Speeding drivers risk crashing into large, fallen trees or branches.
- Standing Water After Storms: Depending on the road, standing water could form after a storm, causing some vehicles to get stuck in mud. Standing water may also cause drivers to swerve, leading to a hydroplane crash.
Driver Behavior
Some drivers may be more reckless on rural roads, but these habits could lead to a car crash.
- Higher speeds due to less traffic
- Increased distracted driving
- Overconfidence on familiar roads
- Impaired driving due to fewer ride-share options
Are Fatal Car Accidents More Likely To Happen on Rural Roads?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rural accidents account for about 43 percent of all traffic fatalities from 2017 to 2021.
These are the types of accidents that are likely to be fatal when driving in rural areas:
- Head-On Collisions: If there are not enough traffic signs or lane markings, drivers may maneuver into the wrong lane, causing head-on collisions.
- Single-Vehicle Accidents: Vehicles could be involved in a single-vehicle crash if the roads have sharp curves or lack guardrails.
- Night-time Crashes: Night-time crashes are likely to happen if there are not enough streetlights, which could make it difficult to see other drivers.
- Rollover Crashes: Rollover crashes are more likely to occur in rural areas when vehicles try to take sharp turns too quickly. SUVs, vans and trucks, which have a higher center of gravity, are especially likely to flip over in this situation.
What Can Drivers Do To Prevent Car Crashes?
Drivers can significantly reduce their risk of crashing along a rural highway by following several key safety practices.
Slow Down
Reduce your speed and maintain extra following distance, especially at night or during bad weather.
Drive Defensively
Be prepare for unexpected curves and wildlife crossings. Keep your headlights on at night, especially if there are not enough streetlights.
Avoid Distractions
Avoid distractions like cell phones. Rural roads have fewer safety features and require more focused attention. In these areas, you could encounter farm equipment, wildlife or stopped school buses around blind curves.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial. Before traveling on rural routes, ensure your tires, brakes and lights are in good condition.
Watch Out for Shoulder Drop-Offs
Watch for shoulder drop-offs and avoid sudden steering corrections if your wheels drift off the pavement. Instead, slowly ease off the accelerator and gradually return to the road.
Keep Essential Items in Your Car
If you often drive in rural areas, having these items in your car could be helpful, as you may not have access to roadside assistance or emergency responders.
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Reflective triangles or flares
- Fire extinguishers
- Spare tire, jack and lug wrench
- Jumper cables
- And more
Call Roden Law After a Charleston Rural Car Crash
After a rural car crash, you may need legal assistance to recover from injuries and damages. If you are unsure how to navigate the legal process, seek help from a trusted, licensed attorney.
At Roden Law, we can help determine if you may have a legal case and assess the potential value of your claim. During a free case review, you can tell us the details about the car crash and how it happened. If we find you may have a case and we represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay. We do not get paid unless we win compensation for you.
Call today to schedule your consultation: 1-844-RESULTS.