Charleston, South Carolina — Charleston drivers were among the worst in the country, according to a new ConsumerAffairs research based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
The Holy City’s drivers were ranked as the 10th most dangerous in the country, up more than 120 places from 133rd in 2024. According to ConsumerAffairs, the increase is attributable in part to the high percentage of fatalities caused by drivers driving automobiles while intoxicated or speeding.
The city has so far recorded 23 traffic deaths in 2025, which is equivalent to 15.13 per 100,000 population and higher than the national average of 12.31.
Charleston has a high rate of mortality from positive blood alcohol content (BAC) tests, with 3.29 fatalities per 100,000 persons, significantly higher than the national average of 1.95. Driving under the influence has resulted in the deaths of five individuals in Charleston thus far in 2025.
The city has the 11th highest rate of speeding-related mortality, with 8.55 per 100,000 people, more than doubling the national average of 3.54. So far, 13 people have perished in Charleston accidents involving speed.
“Charleston’s jump from 133rd to tenth worst in just one year demonstrates how serious the problem has gotten. So far in 2025, the city has recorded 23 road deaths, half of them were caused by speeding. Alcohol-related crashes also played a part, ranking Charleston among the cities with the highest prevalence of unsafe driving behaviors, according to ConsumerAffairs Media Relations Specialist Dayna Edens. “A separate ConsumerAffairs poll indicated that one in every four drivers admits to texting while driving, while more than 80% admit to speeding on occasion. When combined with Charleston’s crash data, it is evident that road safety is about more than simply enforcement and infrastructure; it is also about changing driving habits.”
According to data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, distracted or inattentive driving causes over 20,000 crashes each year. This issue was addressed by the state legislature this year, when the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act went into force on September 1 in an effort to reduce the dangers of distracted driving.
Several other Southern cities joined Charleston on the top ten list, including Knoxville and Memphis, Tennessee.
Check out the whole list of cities with the most dangerous drivers below:
