FLORENCE, Florence County, S.C., Oct. 14, 2026 — Two people were taken to the hospital after a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning, October 13, which closed a road in Florence County.
Florence County Fire Rescue responded to the crash at the intersection of E. National Cemetery Road and Jeffords Street around 8:20 a.m. Two people were hospitalized with injuries whose extent has not been released.
E. National Cemetery Road was shut down for several hours while the South Carolina Highway Patrol investigated. Drivers were urged to avoid the area while crews worked the scene.
No cause has been released, and the Highway Patrol's investigation continues. Authorities have not said whether any charges are expected.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
Why Intersection Crashes Like This Keep Happening
Crashes at intersections usually come down to timing: one driver misjudges a gap, brakes too late, or fails to see cross traffic until it's too close to stop. Add a stop sign, a turn lane, or a signal change into the mix, and a split-second misread turns into a collision.
Whether anyone walks away unhurt usually depends less on speed alone and more on what's inside the vehicle. Seat belts keep occupants in position during a sudden stop, and features like side airbags and reinforced door frames cut down on the force that reaches a driver or passenger in a T-bone or angled impact. Vehicles without these protections, or occupants who aren't buckled in, tend to come away with more serious injuries from the same crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, passenger vehicles made up 92 percent of registered vehicles and 89 percent of vehicle miles traveled in 2023. That volume means intersections carry a steady mix of turning, crossing, and stopping traffic all day, which is part of why so many crashes cluster there rather than on open stretches of road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes car accidents at intersections?
Common factors include failing to yield, misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic, distracted driving, and running stop signs or red lights.
Does speed make a difference if a crash still happens?
Yes. Higher speed means more energy has to be absorbed in the crash, which raises the odds of serious injury even in a short-distance collision.
Why is distracted driving especially risky near intersections?
Intersections demand quick decisions. A driver glancing at a phone for even a couple of seconds can miss a stop sign, a pedestrian, or a car already in the intersection.
Do weather or road conditions play a role?
Wet pavement, glare, and poor visibility can all extend stopping distance and make it harder to judge another driver's speed, raising the chance of a collision.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Florence, SC
Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and call 911 even if the damage looks minor. Some injuries, especially to the neck or back, don't show symptoms right away, so a medical evaluation is worth getting the same day.
If you're able, exchange information with the other driver and note the names of any responding agencies. Photos of the vehicles, the intersection, and any visible damage can help later if there are questions about what happened.
Follow up with your own doctor in the days after the crash, even if you were cleared at the scene. Keep copies of the police report and any medical paperwork in case they're needed down the line.
