Most Dangerous Roads/Intersections in Spartanburg, SC
The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Spartanburg, South Carolina
Spartanburg County drivers face some of South Carolina’s most hazardous roadways every day. With traffic collisions occurring approximately every 3.7 minutes across the state and Spartanburg ranking fifth for total crashes statewide, understanding where accidents happen most frequently can help you stay safe and know your rights if you’re injured.
If you’ve been hurt in a Spartanburg traffic accident, the car accident attorneys at Stewart Law Offices are here to help. Call 866-783-9278 for a free consultation about your case.
South Carolina’s Traffic Fatality Crisis Affects Spartanburg
Recent data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety paints a concerning picture for Spartanburg motorists. In 2022 alone, the county experienced 10,685 reported collisions, with 2,279 resulting in injuries and 52 proving fatal.
The situation has grown more dire in recent years. In early 2025, Spartanburg County led the entire state with 25 traffic fatalities; more than Horry County’s at 22 and double Greenville County’s 12 fatalities during the same period. According to state officials, these numbers place Spartanburg among the areas with the most traffic deaths in South Carolina.
The human toll extends beyond statistics. Every collision represents lives disrupted, families forever changed, and victims facing mounting medical bills while recovering from injuries that could have been prevented.
Most Dangerous Highways in Spartanburg County
Interstate 85 dominates Spartanburg County’s accident statistics. In 2022, this major thoroughfare recorded 1,073 collisions, far more than any other roadway in the county. The interstate’s combination of high-speed traffic, heavy commercial truck presence, and numerous exits creates constant hazards for drivers.
Several I-85 intersections stand out as particularly dangerous:
- I-85 and SC-290: 171 collisions
- I-85 and SC-57: 136 collisions
- I-85 and SC-01: 115 collisions
- I-85 and US-29: 108 collisions
- I-85 and SC-14: 108 collisions
These intersection accident rates reflect the challenges drivers face merging onto fast-moving interstate traffic, handling complex interchange designs, and dealing with distracted or aggressive drivers. High-speed collisions on I-85 often result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death.
Other High-Risk Spartanburg Roadways
While I-85 claims the most collisions, several other major routes present significant dangers:
- US Highway 29 recorded 1,053 collisions in 2022, making it nearly as hazardous as I-85. This heavily traveled corridor runs through densely populated areas and sees constant traffic from both local commuters and through-traffic.
- US Highway 176 experienced 625 collisions during the same period. This route’s mix of commercial areas, residential zones, and varying speed limits creates confusion and contributes to frequent accidents.
- US Highway 221 saw 553 collisions, while SC Highway 9 recorded 491 collisions. These state highways carry substantial traffic volumes without the safety features and lane capacity of interstate highways.
High-Risk Roads in Downtown Spartanburg
Beyond the interstate system, several roads within the city of Spartanburg itself present serious dangers to motorists and pedestrians. Spartanburg County has developed a High Injury Network that identifies roadways with disproportionately high numbers of traffic collisions, severe injuries, and fatalities.
East Main Street ranks among the most dangerous roads in downtown Spartanburg, with heavy traffic volumes and numerous businesses creating frequent opportunities for collisions. Pine Street, Church Street, and Saint John Street also appear on the High Injury Network due to their high accident rates. John B White Sr Boulevard rounds out the list of particularly hazardous city streets.
Outside the city center, Reidville Road, Boiling Springs Road, and Chesnee Highway all appear on the county’s priority list for safety improvements due to elevated crash rates.
High-Risk Times for Collisions in Spartanburg
Analyzing recent collision data reveals distinct temporal patterns that point to when drivers should exercise heightened caution:
- Fridays stand out as the day with the most injury-involved collisions, with Thursdays and Wednesdays also showing high rates. The increased traffic and driver fatigue common at the end of the work week likely contribute to the Friday spike.
- The highest volume of total collisions occurs on weekdays, specifically between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The confluence of rush hour traffic, aggressive driving, and driver fatigue creates particularly hazardous conditions for commuters.
- The most severe crashes, resulting in fatalities, are concentrated during evening hours, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Factors such as reduced visibility, potential impaired driving, and higher speeds on less-congested roads lead to more severe outcomes during this time.
- Sundays have proven disproportionately deadly in recent data. Furthermore, March 2025 was the deadliest month recorded, with seven fatalities across Spartanburg County.
What Causes So Many Spartanburg Accidents?
Several factors contribute to Spartanburg’s high accident rates. Speeding remains a leading cause of serious and fatal collisions throughout the county. Distracted driving has become increasingly problematic as more drivers attempt to use mobile devices while operating vehicles. Failure to yield right-of-way causes numerous intersection accidents, particularly along busy corridors where traffic volumes overwhelm existing infrastructure.
Impaired driving from alcohol or drugs continues to claim lives on Spartanburg roads. Poor road conditions, inadequate lighting, and confusing traffic patterns also contribute to the county’s collision statistics.
Safety Improvements Coming to Spartanburg Roads
Spartanburg County has developed a comprehensive Safety Action Plan to address its most dangerous roads and intersections. The plan prioritizes improvements to the High Injury Network corridors through strategies including enhanced roadway features and maintenance, pedestrian and cyclist safety measures, and intersection upgrades.
Improvements include repaving, restriping, and installing reflectors at high-risk spots, along with routine resurfacing. Plans also include protecting vulnerable road users by creating pedestrian refuge islands, increasing sidewalk buffers, and using leading pedestrian intervals. Intersection upgrades will introduce roundabouts at crash-prone locations, prohibit dangerous left turns during pedestrian crossings, and close high-speed slip lanes.
Understanding Your Rights After a Spartanburg Traffic Accident
South Carolina law allows accident victims to pursue compensation for:
- Economic damages, including medical expenses, hospital bills, physical therapy costs, prescription medications, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages, covering physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and loss of consortium for spouses.
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found more than 50% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation. If your fault is 50% or less, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. This rule makes experienced legal representation critical, as even a small share of fault can significantly impact (or eliminate) your claim.
Contact Our Spartanburg Car Injury Lawyers Today
The dangerous roads and intersections throughout Spartanburg County put all drivers at risk every day. When you or a loved one suffers injuries in a collision caused by another driver’s negligence, Stewart Law Offices stands ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Spartanburg auto accident attorneys understand South Carolina traffic laws and have successfully represented countless clients injured on Spartanburg’s most dangerous roads.
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim or deny the compensation you need for medical treatment and recovery. Contact Stewart Law Offices at 866-783-9278 for a free, confidential consultation about your Spartanburg traffic accident. Our experienced attorneys will fight for your rights after a collision.