Driving during busy holiday periods like Labor Day weekend can often be dangerous, but some South Carolina roads are deadlier to travel on than others. A new study shows which roads are the deadliest to drive on over Labor Day weekend. Researchers at TruckInfo.net, a trucking information site, used fatality data from 2003 to 2022 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to compile the report. The report also used population data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Labor Day weekend was defined as Saturday through Monday.
Deadliest Roads in South Carolina
Here are the deadliest South Carolina roads over Labor Day weekend with the most fatalities they’ve had between 2003 and 2022.
- SR-291 in Greenville County: This road has recorded the highest number of fatalities with 4 deaths reported between 2003 and 2022.
- SR-45 in Berkeley County: This road comes in second with 3 reported fatalities during the same period.
- US-17 in Charleston County: Another road with a significant number of fatalities, US-17 in Charleston County has recorded 3 deaths.
- SR-138 in Cherokee County: This road has recorded 2 fatalities over Labor Day weekend between 2003 and 2022.
- 68 Avenue in Darlington County: This road also has a concerning number of fatalities with 2 deaths reported over the period.
The Nation's Deadly Labor Day Weekend
The report also found that in 2022, South Carolina had 37 fatalities per 1 million residents over Labor Day weekend, ranking it 8th among states for the highest number of deaths. And at the national level, drunk driving was found to be a major issue, with 38% of fatalities involving a driver over the legal limit.
The Rise of Domestic Travel
According to AAA estimates, domestic travel over Labor Day weekend will be up 9% compared to last year. AAA booking data shows that Alaska cruises are sold out for the weekend. “Smaller crowds and cooler temperatures, make this a popular travel trend this time of year,” a AAA press release states. “That’s why Seattle is the number one Labor Day weekend destination, up nearly 30% from last year when it also topped the list.”
Meanwhile, international travel over Labor Day weekend is down 4%, AAA booking numbers show.
Top Domestic Labor Day Destinations
Here are the top domestic Labor Day travel destinations for 2024, according to AAA.
- Seattle, WA
- Orlando, FL
- Anchorage, AK
- New York, NY
- Boston, MA
- Las Vegas, NV
- Denver, CO
- Chicago, IL
- Juneau, AK
- San Francisco, CA
A Call for Caution
With the increasing number of travelers on the road during Labor Day weekend, it's crucial to prioritize road safety. Drivers should be extra cautious, avoid distractions, and ensure they are well-rested before embarking on their journeys. This holiday weekend should be a time for relaxation and celebration, not for tragedy. Remember, every life is precious, and driving responsibly can make all the difference.
