South Carolina consistently ranks among the deadliest states for drivers. Whether it’s the “Malfunction Junction” congestion in the Midlands or the tourist-heavy corridors of the coast, the Palmetto State has specific coordinates that local first responders know all too well.
While high-speed interstates often get the headlines, the real danger frequently lies where roads meet. Based on crash volume, fatality rates, and local notoriety, here are the 4 most dangerous intersections in South Carolina right now.
1. Ashley Phosphate Road & I-26 (North Charleston)
The Undisputed Champion
If you live in the Lowcountry, you knew this would be number one. This interchange is consistently ranked not just as the most dangerous in the state, but often as one of the worst in the entire Southeast.
- The Danger: It is a perfect storm of volume and confusion. Commercial trucks, desperate commuters, and tourists all converge here. The older cloverleaf design forces drivers to weave dangerously—entering traffic has to cross paths with exiting traffic in short, terrifying merge lanes.
- The 2026 Status: Despite continuous talk of redesigns, “Ashley Phosphate” remains the primary bottleneck for North Charleston. Rear-end collisions and sideswipes are practically a daily occurrence here as drivers gamble on tight gaps to exit the interstate.
2. Two Notch Road & Trenholm Road Extension (Columbia)
The Fatal Corridor…