Driving too fast is dangerous for everyone on the road.
In South Carolina, speeding is one of the top five reasons for serious collisions and deaths on the road. And for more than twenty years, about one out of every three deaths from car collisions in the United States have involved speeding, according to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration.
When you drive too fast, you put not only yourself at risk but also everyone else nearby, like other drivers, people walking, bicyclists, law enforcement officers, and emergency workers.
That’s why it’s really important to slow down, follow the speed limit signs, and make sure everyone gets to their destination safely.
Speeding Laws in South Carolina
In South Carolina, speed limits and the respective fines are specified in the South Carolina Code of Laws Section 56-5-1520.
Additionally, it is unlawful for a person to drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed that is considered too fast for conditions. There are times where you may need to drive at a speed lower than the posted speed limit, especially during inclement weather or uncertain road conditions.
Remember — you are responsible for operating your vehicle in a safe manner, so obey the posted speed limit.
Facts about Speeding
- According to South Carolina collision data, speed ranks in the top five contributing factors in South Carolina in 2023.
- In South Carolina, there were 382 speed-related fatalities in 2023.
- Additionally, there were 14,718 persons injured in speed-related collisions in South Carolina in 2023.
- Nationally, there were 12,151 speed-related fatalities in 2022.
- Nationally, 35 percent of male drivers aged 15-20 years old involved in fatal traffic collisions in 2022 were speeding, the highest among age groups.
What Can Happen When You Speed
Driving too fast can risk more than you think. When you drive at excessive speeds, you also experience:
- Reduced effectiveness of driver and passenger protection (seatbelts, airbags, etc.)
- Greater potential for loss of vehicle control
- Increased time and distance it takes to stop
- Decreased time to react to changing conditions
- Increased damage to vehicle and occupants in the event of a collision
- Increased fuel consumption and fuel costs