As temperatures rise and families across South Carolina head out for vacations, cookouts, lake trips, and weekend adventures, another seasonal trend begins to emerge on our highways.
Spartanburg County led the state in 2025 with a total of 71 traffic deaths. So far in 2026, Spartanburg County has had 33 deaths on its roadways, 12 more than any other county.
“What makes this even more concerning is that we are only four days away from entering what is commonly referred to as the “100 Deadly Days of Summer,” said Spartanburg County Sheriff Bill Rhyne said in front of the Spartanburg County Courthouse Thursday morning.
The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is historically one of the most dangerous times of the year for drivers across the country, including here in South Carolina. Increased traffic, distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and inexperienced teen drivers all contribute to a spike in serious automobile accidents during the summer months.
At Hodge Law Firm, our attorneys have spent decades helping injured clients across South Carolina after serious car accidents, motorcycle crashes, trucking collisions, and wrongful death cases. We also believe education and prevention matter. A safe summer starts with smart decisions behind the wheel.
Why Are the “100 Deadly Days of Summer” So Dangerous?
Summer travel season brings more vehicles onto South Carolina roads. Families travel for vacations, teenagers are out of school, and holiday weekends often lead to heavier traffic and more risky driving behaviors.
According to national highway safety data, the summer months frequently see an increase in:
- Fatal car accidents
- Distracted driving crashes
- Drunk driving collisions
- Motorcycle accidents
- Teen driver accidents
- Speed-related wrecks
- Pedestrian injuries
South Carolina drivers know how busy roads can become during the summer, especially on major routes near Spartanburg, Greenville, Gaffney, Columbia, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach. Even a short trip across town can quickly turn dangerous when drivers fail to pay attention or make reckless decisions.
Distracted Driving Continues to Be a Serious Problem
One of the leading causes of summer automobile accidents is distracted driving. Cell phones, GPS systems, social media notifications, and even conversations inside the vehicle can pull a driver’s eyes away from the road for just a few seconds. Unfortunately, that is often all it takes for a serious crash to happen.
Drivers should avoid:
- Texting while driving
- Using social media behind the wheel
- Watching videos while driving
- Eating or grooming while operating a vehicle
- Programming GPS devices while moving
Safe driving begins with staying focused every mile of the trip.
Teen Drivers Face Increased Risks During Summer
The “100 Deadly Days of Summer” are especially dangerous for teenage drivers. With school out, many teens spend more time driving with friends, traveling at night, or navigating unfamiliar roads.
Parents can help reduce risks by discussing safe driving habits early and often. Important reminders include:
- Always wear a seatbelt
- Never drink and drive
- Avoid speeding
- Limit distractions inside the vehicle
- Obey traffic laws
- Avoid driving while tired
Experienced drivers can also help by setting a positive example behind the wheel.
Summer Holidays Often Bring More Impaired Drivers
Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day celebrations often involve alcohol. Unfortunately, impaired driving remains a major cause of deadly accidents across South Carolina every summer.
If you plan to celebrate, always arrange a safe ride home. Designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or stay where you are until it is safe to travel.
Driving under the influence places everyone on the road at risk and can lead to devastating injuries and tragic loss of life.
Motorcycle Safety Matters During Summer
Warmer weather also means more motorcycles on South Carolina roads. Drivers should always remain alert and watch carefully for motorcycles at intersections, while changing lanes, and during heavy traffic conditions.
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable during collisions because they lack the protection offered by passenger vehicles. Even minor impacts can result in catastrophic injuries.
Sharing the road responsibly helps protect everyone traveling this summer.
Simple Ways to Stay Safe This Summer
A few simple precautions can make a major difference during the busy summer travel season.
Make safety a priority by:
- Buckling your seatbelt every trip
- Following posted speed limits
- Putting the phone away while driving
- Allowing extra travel time
- Staying alert during heavy traffic
- Never driving impaired
- Making sure your vehicle is properly maintained
- Watching for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycles
Defensive driving and patience can help prevent serious accidents.
The Hodge Law Firm Is Here for Injured South Carolinians
Even when drivers do everything right, accidents can still happen because of someone else’s negligence. Serious injuries from automobile accidents can leave victims facing medical bills, lost income, pain, and uncertainty about the future.
For more than 45 years, the attorneys at Hodge Law Firm have helped individuals and families across South Carolina pursue justice after personal injury accidents. Our legal team handles cases involving:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Wrongful death claims
- Serious injury cases
We are committed to providing Personal Attention. Proven Results.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a South Carolina automobile accident, workers’ compensation claim, or personal injury case, our team is here to help you understand your legal options.
Have a Fun and Safe Summer
Summer should be a time for making memories with family and friends, not dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident. Staying alert, driving responsibly, and making safe choices can help protect everyone on the road during the “100 Deadly Days of Summer.”
From all of us at Hodge Law Firm, we wish you and your family a fun, safe, and enjoyable summer across South Carolina. If you need us, we are here to help.
The information in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Hodge Law Firm. Every case is different. For advice specific to your situation, please contact a licensed South Carolina attorney.