Where Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Beaufort
Car crashes are happening every day in Beaufort County, and a handful of intersections are seeing them more than anywhere else. As the county population grows and roads stay crowded, drivers are facing more risk when passing through some of the busiest cross streets in the region.
According to data from South Carolina’s Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), over 15,000 crashes were reported in Beaufort County between January 2020 and mid-2024. In that time, 103 lives were lost and more than 6,300 people were hurt. With 2024 already logging over 600 injuries and 13 fatalities halfway through the year, the trend isn’t slowing down.
10 Intersections with the Highest Crash Rates in 2024
Here are the intersections that have seen the most traffic collisions so far this year:
- Bluffton Rd & Bluffton Pkwy
- Parris Island Gateway & Robert Smalls Pkwy
- Squire Pope Rd & William Hilton Pkwy
- Mathews Dr & William Hilton Pkwy
- May River Rd & Okatie Hwy
- US-21 & US-21 (overlap zone)
- Palmetto Bay Rd & Point Comfort Rd
- Fording Island Rd & Buckwalter Pkwy
- Boundary St & Greenlawn Dr
- Broad River Blvd & Parris Island Gateway
What Makes These Spots So Hazardous?
The intersection of Parris Island Gateway and Robert Smalls Parkway has had the most crashes of any in the county since 2020—267 in total. It’s not just the crash volume that’s concerning. Serious injuries and fatalities have also occurred there and at other locations like Fording Island Road & Buckwalter Parkway, which has the highest number of severe injury reports.
High speeds, driver impatience, complicated road layouts, and heavy congestion all contribute. Even improvements like new traffic signals or signage haven’t prevented crashes at key hotspots. Construction near Okatie Highway and West Fording Island Rd is expected to help, but results remain to be seen.
Locals Feel the Impact
One Beaufort resident, Dayna Akers, shared that she and her son witnessed a wreck so severe that one car was wrapped around a utility pole. “It really shook us,” she said. “You never know if it could be you.”
Her story is one of many. With multiple dangerous intersections located along daily commutes, errands, and school drop-offs, many families in Beaufort County worry about safety on the road.
Looking Back: Crash Trends by Year
Crash numbers at the top 10 intersections show a steady increase since 2020:
- 2020: 220 crashes
- 2021: 298 crashes, 12 serious injuries
- 2022: 365 crashes (highest total)
- 2023: 356 crashes, 4 severe injuries, 1 fatality
- 2024 (Jan to mid-July): 182 crashes, 3 severe injuries, 1 fatality
Even with efforts to reduce risks, many of the same intersections continue to appear year after year.
Safety Tips for Drivers
If you’re traveling through any of these high-risk intersections:
- Slow down early
- Watch cross-traffic before moving forward
- Avoid distractions
- Keep extra space between vehicles
And if you do get into a crash, make sure you understand your legal rights. In South Carolina, if the other driver is at fault—even partially—you may be eligible for compensation. This can cover your medical costs, lost wages, vehicle damage, and more.
See how car accident claims work
Get Legal Help After a Crash
If you’ve been injured at a high-risk intersection in Beaufort County or anywhere nearby, our team is here to help. Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers offers free consultations to walk you through your options and fight for the results you deserve.
Call us today or reach out through our website.
We serve clients across Beaufort County and neighboring regions.
