As much joy as the summer months often bring to the residents of South Carolina, they are also, unfortunately, a time of great tragedy. Typically, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day bears witness to a flood of fatal, and often alcohol-related boat accidents and drunk driving car accidents.
The period has become so infamous that it has been dubbed the “100 Deadly Days” of summer, and judging by the numbers, it is easy to understand how it earned that nickname:
- According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), traffic fatalities remain a serious concern during the summer travel period.
- In 2024, nearly one out of every two people killed in fatal collisions in South Carolina was not wearing a seat belt during the 100 Deadly Days of Summer period.
- During the 2023 travel season between Memorial Day and Labor Day, often referred to as South Carolina’s “100 Deadly Days of Summer,” speeding contributed to 10,789 crashes and was linked to 99 deaths.
The alcohol-related fatalities have specifically been targeted by the SCHP as a key to making the “100 Deadly Days” a thing of the past. To that end, officers are reiterating the harsh penalties drunk drivers could face.
“Normally, someone on a Friday night doesn’t ride by themselves…there [are] usually two to three people in the car,” Sr. Trooper Hannah Wimberly of the SCHP told NBC 2. “If you kill all three people, you are looking at up to 75 years in prison.”
Why Are Summer Months More Dangerous?
The “100 Deadly Days of Summer” are particularly dangerous for several reasons:
- Increased traffic volume from vacationers and tourists flocking to South Carolina’s beaches and attractions.
- More teen drivers are on the road after school lets out.
- Higher rates of alcohol consumption at summer parties, cookouts, and beach gatherings.
- Longer daylight hours lead to increased driving time and higher risks of fatalities.
- Aggressive driving behaviors, including excessive speeding and road rage.
- Distracted driving by tourists unfamiliar with South Carolina roads.
What Can I Do If A Drunk Driver Hurts Me?
A qualified and experienced injury attorney can guide you and your family through the process of bringing a drunk driver to justice and recovering the money you need for pain and suffering, medical bills, and living expenses.
Stewart Law Offices – South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
Source: www.counton2.com
Note: This information is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. You can only receive legal advice by meeting with an attorney.