Study Ranks Charleston Among 10 Worst Cities for Drivers

Charleston ranked top 10 worst drivers

Here at Joe Cunningham Law, your trusted Charleston car accident law firm, we see the aftermath of dangerous driving every day. From fender-benders on the Mark Clark Expressway to serious collisions on Savannah Highway, our dedicated team of injury lawyers is on the front lines helping victims recover and find justice.

So, when ConsumerAffairs released its new report, “Worst Drivers in America,” we took immediate interest. The findings hit close to home—literally. Charleston ranked in the Top 10 for cities with challenging driving conditions. Although this survey provides a national view, it also mirrors the behaviors we witness daily on South Carolina roads. More importantly, it highlights a key point: understanding common and dangerous driving behaviors isn’t just about awareness. It also helps you protect your rights when someone else’s negligence turns your life upside down. As leading personal injury attorneys in Charleston SC, that’s where we step in.

Let’s break down what the report reveals—and what it means for you and your family here in the Lowcountry.

The National Landscape: Distraction, Aggression, and Impairment

The ConsumerAffairs report compiles data from government sources and insurers to show where American drivers struggle most. While South Carolina doesn’t always top the “worst” lists (though we rank high in fatal collisions), the dangerous behaviors cited show up in almost every case a South Carolina injury lawyer handles.

Distracted Driving: This remains one of the top causes of crashes. It goes far beyond texting. Drivers fiddle with touchscreens, map apps, food, or simply lose focus. Unfortunately, even a split-second lapse at highway speed is enough to cause a wreck.

Aggressive Driving: Speeding, tailgating, erratic lane changes, and running red lights are common triggers for serious collisions. During rush hour on I-26, for example, frustration often leads to dangerous decisions.

Impaired Driving: Despite years of awareness campaigns, DUIs involving alcohol, marijuana, or prescription drugs still devastate families. These crashes are preventable, yet they remain among the most severe. They also require the experienced representation of a Charleston car accident lawyer.

For a Charleston attorney, these are not abstract categories. They form the foundation of every case we investigate and build.

The South Carolina & Charleston Context: Our Unique Challenges

National data is helpful, but Charleston faces unique conditions that make driving even riskier.

Tourist Traffic and Congestion: Our city welcomes millions of visitors each year. Because many of them don’t know the roads, they stop suddenly, hesitate, or miss turns. As a result, rear-end collisions and side-swipes happen frequently—especially near the beaches or downtown.

Infrastructure Strains: Charleston’s rapid growth has pushed roads and bridges beyond what they were designed to handle. Construction zones, bottlenecks, and changing traffic patterns become hotspots for accidents.

More Pedestrians and Cyclists: Charleston prides itself on being walkable and bike-friendly. However, that also increases the risk of collisions. When drivers fail to yield or share the road, the outcomes can be severe, often requiring a Charleston pedestrian or bicycle accident attorney.

A Mix of Vehicle Types: Our roads hold everything from compact cars to commercial trucks, motorcycles, and boats on trailers. Crashes with large trucks can be devastating, which is why specialized South Carolina truck accident attorneys are often needed.

When drivers fail to adjust for these conditions—speeding through a rainy King Street, weaving through beach traffic, or checking their phones—they breach their duty of care. That’s negligence.

Beyond the Statistics: The Real Human Cost in South Carolina

At Joe Cunningham Law, we never forget the people behind these numbers. A “rear-end collision” might mean:

  • A whiplash injury that leads to chronic pain and missed work

  • A totaled car that plunges a family into financial stress

  • Emotional trauma that makes driving frightening again

The ConsumerAffairs report reminds us that every data point represents a real person whose life has been disrupted. Our mission as your Charleston personal injury attorney is to help them move toward recovery, accountability, and fair compensation.

Your Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Rights

Knowledge is your strongest defense. Here’s how to apply the report’s insights:

Practice Defensive Driving

  • Assume the Worst: Expect other drivers to make mistakes. This gives you more reaction time.

  • Limit Distractions: Put your phone in Do Not Disturb. Focus fully on the road.

  • Control Speed and Space: Keep a safe following distance, especially in bad weather.

If the Worst Happens: Essential Post-Accident Steps

Even the safest driver can’t avoid every negligent motorist. If you’re in a crash:

  • Secure Safety First: Move to a safe area, turn on hazards, and call 911.

  • Seek Medical Attention: Get checked immediately. Even mild pain matters.

  • Document Everything: Take photos of all damage, injuries, and the scene.

  • Call a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer First: Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts. We work to protect you.

Why Legal Representation from a Local Firm Matters

The ConsumerAffairs report identifies risky behaviors. Our job is to handle the fallout. Here’s why hiring an experienced local attorney is essential:

  • We Prove Negligence: Distracted, aggressive, or impaired driving must be demonstrated clearly. We work with accident reconstruction experts to build your case.

  • We Know True Case Values: Insurance companies aim to settle quickly and cheaply. We calculate the full value of your losses.

  • We Advocate Beyond Car Accidents: Our team handles truck accidents, workers comp cases, slip and falls, dog bites, boating accidents, and wrongful death claims.

  • We’re Ready to Fight: If an insurer won’t negotiate fairly, we’re prepared to go to trial.

A Local Firm, Dedicated to Protecting Charleston

As a former U.S. Congressman and lifelong South Carolinian, Joe Cunningham built this firm to serve the people of Charleston. We’re not a high-volume operation. We’re neighbors helping neighbors.

Our practice areas include:

The Bottom Line

The ConsumerAffairs “Worst Drivers” report offers a national snapshot of a problem we see here every day. Distracted, aggressive, and impaired drivers create real harm on Charleston roads.

If you or a loved one has been injured anywhere in the Lowcountry, don’t face the aftermath alone. You deserve an experienced injury lawyer in Charleston SC on your side.

Contact Joe Cunningham Law today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and guide you forward. After a Charleston car accident, your focus should be on healing—not fighting the insurance system.