What brings you to South Carolina? If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, there are lots of reasons why the Palmetto State has a natural draw. For one, its mix of natural beauty, biker-friendly culture, and Southern charm makes it a top destination for adventure-seekers. For another, people live there in part because they love the mild winters and warm summer—riding season is nearly year-round.
But whether you’re heading to the sunny state for Myrtle Beach Bike Week, or it’s where you’ve lived for years, you should know that South Carolina consistently ranks among the highest states for motorcycle crashes.
Why does South Carolina have higher-than-average motorcycle crashes?
There are a couple of reasons why South Carolina sees more motorcycle crashes than most other states, and it’s not that we’re bad drivers.
More motorcyclists
That’s just statistics (and logic). When you have more motorcycles on the roads, there will be proportionally more crashes. In 2021, South Carolina had 2,887 registered motorcycles per 100,000 residents (or more than 150,000 motorcycles registered in the state).
That ranks it 27th in the U.S. It might not seem like a terribly high ranking, but with South Carolina’s strong motorcycle culture, year-round riding weather, and popular events, there are always a lot of riders on the road.
Road conditions
Some rural and coastal roads in South Carolina are poorly maintained, with uneven surfaces, narrow shoulders, and limited visibility. These are hazards that can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
Weak helmet laws
South Carolina only requires helmets for riders under 21. Riders 21 and older are not legally required to wear helmets, but this can lead to more severe head injuries and fatalities in the event of a crash. Studies show that helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injury and death in motorcycle accidents. In 2021, 64% of motorcyclists killed in South Carolina were not wearing a helmet.
Impaired driving
Alcohol impairment is a significant factor in motorcycle accidents in South Carolina. In 2021, 40% of motorcycle fatalities involved riders with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01% or higher, and 32% had a BAC at or above the legal limit of 0.08%. This indicates a higher rate of alcohol-related motorcycle fatalities compared to the national average.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving, failure to yield, and lack of awareness of motorcyclists are major causes of crashes. Many accidents occur when other drivers don’t see or misjudge a motorcycle’s speed.
Speeding
Speeding is another critical factor contributing to motorcycle crashes. Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of impacts. In 2022, nearly one-third of drivers involved in fatal motorcycle crashes in South Carolina were speeding.
Lack of rider training
While South Carolina offers motorcycle safety courses, not all riders may use this training. Inadequate skills and lack of experience can increase the risk of accidents, especially in hazardous situations.
Some states mandate motorcycle riders to complete a motorcycle safety course, such as the Basic Rider Course offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), to obtain their motorcycle endorsement or license; this is not the case in South Carolina.
South Carolina motorcycle safety initiatives
We can’t just say that South Carolina has too many motorcycle injuries and drop it there, right? You want to know what our state is going to do about it.
There are a couple of initiatives underway that aim to reduce the number of South Carolina motorcycle accident injuries:
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Courses
The state offers the MSF Basic Rider Course for both beginners and experienced riders to learn essential skills and safe riding practices. These courses cover straight-line riding, stopping, turning, hazard avoidance, emergency braking, and other safety maneuvers. Sometimes you can receive an insurance discount for completing a motorcycle safety course. - SCDMV training and testing programs
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) partners with various entities to provide motorcycle training and testing programs. These programs aim to ensure riders have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a motorcycle safely. - Awareness campaigns
South Carolina officially recognizes May as “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.” This is often proclaimed through resolutions by the General Assembly, as seen in a 2016 resolution. During this month, there is typically an increase in messaging and activities promoting motorcycle safety across various platforms.
Some of these safety campaigns include the “Look Twice, Save a Life” messaging that encourages drivers to be vigilant and check for motorcycles at intersections and when changing lanes. They also emphasize helmet use; although they are not mandated, it is encouraged for all riders to wear a DOT-compliant helmet. - South Carolina Motorcycle Safety Task Force (MSTF)
This committee is comprised of safety professionals, law enforcement officers, and motorcyclists dedicated to promoting motorcycle safety across the state. The MSTF works year-round to develop and implement strategies, including awareness campaigns, to reduce motorcycle collisions and fatalities.
Do you need a South Carolina lawyer for a motorcycle accident injury?
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, hiring a personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and securing fair compensation. Motorcycle accidents often involve serious injuries, and insurance companies sometimes try to blame the rider or minimize payouts. The team at Chappell, Chappell & Newman understands how to counter biased assumptions about motorcyclists, obtain evidence like crash reports and witness statements, and work with experts to prove fault and calculate the true cost of your injuries—including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
We’ll navigate the legal system while you focus on recovery. Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or filing a lawsuit, we handle the paperwork, deadlines, and courtroom strategy. In cases where liability is disputed or more than one party is at fault, an experienced lawyer can identify all sources of recovery and ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Want to know how new legislation could affect your case? Read our latest article: New SC law could change how much you recover.
Contact the experienced, compassionate attorneys at Chappell, Chappell & Newman today for a free consultation.