Road safety outcomes depend heavily on well-maintained infrastructure, responsible driving behavior, effective enforcement, and timely emergency response. However, across several South Carolina counties, persistently high fatal crash rates are raising serious concerns about driver and pedestrian safety. A new study analyzing five years of federal crash data highlights where the risk is most severe, revealing stark regional disparities that place residents of certain counties at a significantly higher risk of deadly roadway incidents.

The research by personal injury law firm CR Legal Team analyzed fatal crash data from 2019 to 2023 for South Carolina counties via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database. Average fatal crash rates per 100,000 residents were calculated to identify the counties where South Carolinians are most at risk on the roads.

Jasper County leads the state in fatal crashes, with 58 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents. That is more than double the statewide average of 26 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents. From 2019 to 2023, the county averaged 18 fatal crashes per year among its population of approximately 31,057. 2022 was the worst year, with 21 fatal crashes, while 2020 recorded the fewest (14). 

Fairfield County ranks second with 53 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents, more than 104% higher than the statewide average of 26. From 2019 to 2023, Fairfield County, home to nearly 20,945 residents, experienced an average of 11 fatal crashes annually. The county recorded the highest number of fatal crashes (17) in 2020, and the lowest (8) was in both 2019 and 2022.

Colleton County ranks third with 52 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents; that’s about 100% higher than the statewide average of 26. Between 2019 and 2023, Colleton County, with a population of approximately 38,467, saw an average of 20 fatal crashes a year. 2020 documented 32 fatal crashes, while 2023 had only 16.

Orangeburg County takes the fourth position with 45 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents, surpassing the statewide average of 26 by about 73%. With a population of approximately 83,862, Orangeburg County reported an annual average of 38 fatal crashes during 2019-2023. The highest number of fatal crashes (45) was recorded in 2022, while 2020 experienced only 29 fatal crashes.

Hampton County ranks fifth with 44 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents, 69% more than the statewide average of 26. Hampton County’s 18,464 residents experienced an average of 8 fatal crashes yearly. 2020 was the worst year, with 12 fatal crashes, while 2023 had 4 fatal crashes.

Looking at the study, a spokesperson at CR Legal Team commented:

“The study highlights that counties such as Jasper, Fairfield, and Colleton reported some of the highest fatal crash rates in South Carolina.

“These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures and the critical importance of thorough accident investigations to determine liability and prevent future tragedies.

Table for Extended Results:

Top 10 South Carolina Counties With the Highest Rate of Fatal Crashes
South Carolina CountyAverage Fatal Crashes per 100,000 ResidentsRank
Jasper581
Fairfield532
Colleton523
Orangeburg454
Hampton445
Marlboro436
Dillon397
Lee388
Clarendon379
Chester3710

What Drivers Should Know About Fatal Crash Risk in South Carolina Counties

  • Slow down on rural and two-lane roads, where crashes are more likely to be fatal.
  • Avoid driving after drinking or using impairing substances, particularly at night and on weekends.
  • Always wear a seatbelt, even on short local trips where drivers often feel overly confident.
  • Stay alert in poorly lit areas and at intersections, where reaction time matters most.

Plan routes and travel times carefully, avoiding high-risk roads when possible during late hours.

Methodology

The study was conducted by CR Legal Team, a law firm dedicated to standing up for the rights of accident and injury victims. By offering Whole-Person Legal Care™, the firm has helped thousands across the community pursue justice and move forward. A national law firm advocating for injury victims across the United States.

The research analyzed fatal crash data from 2019 to 2023 for South Carolina counties via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database. Average fatal crash rates per 100,000 residents were calculated to identify the counties where South Carolinians are most at risk on the roads.

Data Sources