Available 
Available 
NORTH CHARLESTON, Charleston County, S.C., Oct. 10, 2026 — A driver died on Saturday morning, October 10, after a crash on Interstate 26 eastbound in North Charleston, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. A passenger in the same vehicle was also hurt.
The crash happened near mile marker 206 around 7:53 a.m., Master Trooper William Bennett said. A 2022 Peterbilt tow truck was stopped on the shoulder when a 2016 Kia Sorento reportedly left the right side of the road and hit the back of the tow truck, troopers said.
The tow truck's driver, its only occupant, was not injured. The Kia's driver and passenger were taken to an area hospital. The driver later died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to the Highway Patrol.
The Charleston County Coroner's Office has not yet released the identity of the driver who died. The crash remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
A Common Misconception About Highway Shoulder Crashes on I-26E
Many drivers assume a vehicle parked on the shoulder, like a tow truck or disabled car, is out of the path of danger simply because it is off the traffic lanes. In practice, shoulders sit only a few feet from live lanes, and a vehicle that drifts off the road at highway speed can reach them in a fraction of a second.
The assumption also overlooks how common passenger vehicles are in the overall traffic mix, which shapes how often they end up involved in these incidents. 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 ordinary cars and SUVs, not just trucks, are the vehicles most often involved when something goes wrong near a shoulder.
Roadside stops are built into daily highway operation, from tow trucks to stranded motorists to law enforcement. The margin between a shoulder and a travel lane is narrow, and a momentary lapse in steering is often all that separates the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is distracted driving a factor in so many crashes?
Even a glance away from the road for a couple of seconds, at highway speed, can cover the distance a vehicle needs to drift out of its lane and off the road entirely.
How do weather and road conditions play into crashes like this?
Wet pavement, glare, or uneven shoulders can make it harder for a driver to correct course once a vehicle starts to drift, though investigators determine the specific cause case by case.
What should someone do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe location if possible, call 911, and seek a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms appear later.
What to Do After a Car Accident in North Charleston, SC
Anyone involved in a crash in North Charleston should first check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Stay inside or near the vehicle only if it's safe to do so, especially near active travel lanes.
Get a medical check even if you feel fine; adrenaline can mask pain from impact. Keep a copy of the police report and any medical records in case they're needed later, and follow up with your doctor if symptoms develop in the days after the crash.
