Before you take a trip through the Palmetto State, you should know South Carolina was ranked the second-worst state to drive in 2019 based on accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, citations, and fatalities. Because of that, you might want some advice for driving through South Carolina for the first time so you can avoid sections of highway or other areas that are more challenging to drive through than others.
Even though the scenery in our state is beautiful and distracting and you’re allowed to drive barefoot, you still need to drive carefully and as safely as possible. Even if you do drive carefully, sometimes accidents still happen. If another driver’s negligence or reckless actions caused your auto wreck, a car accident lawyer from Solomon Law Group can help you.
Keep reading to learn some tips about how to drive through South Carolina for the first time.
Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
When you’re driving anywhere for the first time, you should plan your route before leaving so you have a good idea of where you’re going before getting behind the wheel. Even though you can use your phone as a navigation system, you shouldn’t rely on it in case you lose service or traffic gets held up unexpectedly. Plotting your course and alternative routes can help you feel more confident driving through any state or on any road for the first time, as well as help you prepare for any tolls.
Planning your route will also help you avoid some of the more dangerous highways in South Carolina. Be especially careful on US-17, I-95, I-26, I-20, and I-85 because these roads that pass through our state were ranked in the top 25 most dangerous highways in the country based on fatalities per mile. While you might not be able to avoid driving on these roads, you should at least be aware that they are considered more dangerous and drive accordingly to avoid a car accident.
Check for Weather Updates
Depending on the time of year, you’ll also want to consider hurricane evacuation routes, which you can find here. You don’t want to get stuck driving in a storm or get caught up in evacuation traffic. Hurricane season starts in June and finishes at the end of November, with peak months being August and September, so you’ll want to check for weather updates if you’re traveling through South Carolina in those months to avoid getting stuck in a hurricane.
Consider South Carolina Traffic Laws
Before you drive through any state, you should research their state laws so you are aware of their specific rules. In South Carolina, some state traffic laws you should know are:
- The car’s driver and every occupant must wear a seat belt, no matter their age.
- Any child under six must be in a car seat.
- You must move over into the far lane and slow down for emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road or if they are trying to pass you with their lights and sirens activated.
- Always pass other vehicles to their left.
Now that you know the basics, you should be able to enjoy driving through our beautiful state of South Carolina.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer from Solomon Law Group
A car accident can quickly turn your world upside down. You might be dealing with physical and emotional injuries as well as financial problems because you have unexpected medical bills and lost wages from missing work. At Solomon Law Group in Columbia, we know the toll that a car accident can have on you and your family, and our attorneys are dedicated to recovering compensation for your losses. Our experienced car accident lawyer will handle the legal side of things while you focus on healing. Contact our office today and we can discuss your potential case.
