SC one of the worst states for cyclist & driver relationships, law firm study shows. Here’s why
From road rage to mere accidents, South Carolina is no stranger to bicyclist-related traffic accidents.
The Palmetto State, especially in the coastal regions, has an affinity for cycling as a common recreational hobby and mode of transportation.
However, the relationship between cyclists and drivers has seemed to quickly sour as the frequency of wrecks has been increasingly escalating.
Who seems to be the most at fault?
The answer seems to be caught somewhere in the middle, while others seem to blame ongoing population surges or lack of protective roadways.
With summer approaching and an increase in cyclists on the road, it’s important for drivers to be more aware of their presence while behind the wheel and for bicyclists with their surroundings.
Bisnar Chase, a personal injury law firm, commissioned a survey of 3,000 cyclists to convey what their relationships are actually like with drivers on the road.
Overall, it was revealed that cyclists’ relationships between themselves and drivers on American roads was rated at a 6.2 out of 10 by the 3,000 cyclists polled.
However, conditions were worse to those who have cycled in South Carolina. The study reported that cyclists in the Palmetto State rated their relationship with drivers at 5.1 out of 10, which puts the state below the national average and at third overall for states with the worst relationships between drivers and cyclists.
In addition, 28% of drivers from the survey acknowledged that they had gotten angry with a cyclist on the road before and 52% of cyclists had admitted to experiencing road rage first hand toward drivers while out riding, the study revealed.
“South Carolina’s open roads can be particularly hazardous for cyclists due to several factors. Firstly, these roads often lack dedicated bike lanes or shoulders, which can force cyclists to share the road with cars and trucks, increasing the risk of collisions. Additionally, drivers on rural roads may be traveling at higher speeds than in urban areas, making it more difficult for them to see and avoid cyclists,” detailed the study regarding the reasoning behind South Carolina’s results.
“This danger is especially prevalent on narrow roads where there is little room for passing. Furthermore, rural roads often have blind corners, hills, and other obstacles that can limit a driver’s ability to see a cyclist until it is too late,” the study continued.
This follows an outcry from several residential areas within the state calling for better roadways, traffic laws protecting cyclist and pedestrian safety, as well as better available transportation for those who do not own a vehicle.
In 2020, it was recorded that there were 14 bicyclist fatalities in South Carolina motor vehicle traffic collisions.
In the same year, the Palmetto State was reportedly second in the nation for the number of pedestrian deaths per 100,000 population. With a recorded 187 deaths, pedestrians comprised nearly 18% of the total traffic fatalities in the state that year, according to information provided by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
According to the recent study conducted by Bisnar Chase, the “Top 10 Worst Cyclists/Drivers Relationships” include:
1. New Hampshire (4.7/10)
2. Kansas (4.8/10)
3. South Carolina (5.1/10)
4. Oklahoma (5.2/10)
5. Colorado (5.4/10)
6. New Mexico (5.5/10)
7. Nebraska (5.6/10)
8. Maine (5.7/10)
9. Arkansas (5.8/10)
10. Tennessee (5.8/10)
To help combat the growing issue, SCDOT developed the state’s first Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Action Plan last year in response to the rising number of pedestrian and bicycle deaths and serious injuries in South Carolina.
In addition, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s bicycle laws show that when driving a vehicle, you must:
Exercise due care to avoid a collision with a pedestrian or bicyclist (SC Code Sec. 56-5-3230)
Maintain a safe operating distance from the bicyclist (SC Code Sec. 56-5-3435)
Refrain from harassing or throwing objects at the bicyclist. (SC Code Sec. 56-5-3445)
As for cyclists, to help maintain a safe environment, they are reminded to cycle with the flow of traffic, rather than facing it as pedestrians should.
SCDPS reports that all bicyclists should:
Ride with traffic, and obey all traffic signs.
Ride as far to the right as practical.
If a bike lane is present, stay in the bike lane unless your destination lies in a different direction.
If you are riding in a group, do not ride more than two side-by-side.
If you are riding your bike after dark, use lights and reflectors to help increase your chances of being seen by motorists.
This story was originally published April 7, 2023 at 8:00 AM with the headline "SC one of the worst states for cyclist & driver relationships, law firm study shows. Here’s why."
