SC has one of deadliest interstates in the US. Here’s where, how bad
The stretch of Interstate 77 through South Carolina is one of the nation’s deadliest, according to a new report.
The 91 miles the highway travels from the state line near Rock Hill to Cayce recorded 90 fatal accidents from 2019-2023, the study by Camili & Capo PA of New Jersey said.
The South Carolina interstate ranked No. 27.
The study found the deadliest stretch of interstate in the United States was Interstate 94 through Illinois, which had two fatal crashes per mile. Others in the top 10 include Interstate 24 through Kentucky, Interstate 55 through Tennessee, Interstate 14 through Texas, Interstates 95 and 4 through Florida, I-95 in Delaware, and Interstate 45 in Texas.
The study also found that two interstates that run through South Carolina were among the deadliest overall in the country — Interstates 95 and 85.
I-95 was the 4th deadliest overall with 1,751 accidents or 0.91 per mile, accounting for 8.7% of all accidents.
I-95 is the longest north-south interstate in the country with 1,906 miles from Florida to Maine. In South Carolina, the highway is 199 miles long.
The report did not break down the number of accidents in each state.
The report found I-85 was the 5th deadliest interstate overall. The 666-mile highway from Montgomery, Alabama to Durham, N.C. had 83 fatalities, and 2.1% of accidents nationwide.
I-85 goes through Anderson, Greenville and Spartanburg.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation will begin a major study in 2026 to identify solutions for the heavily traveled and accident-prone route.
The Interstate 85 Corridor Study area covers 35 miles from US 29 (Exit 34) to SC 85 (Exit 69) and includes 18 interchanges. The entire route in South Carolina is 106 miles.
Also taking part in the study are the Spartanburg Area Transportation Study, Greenville-Pickens Area Transportation Study, Appalachian Council of Governments, GSP International Airport and the SC Ports Authority.
This story was originally published December 31, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "SC has one of deadliest interstates in the US. Here’s where, how bad."