Spring break and bike week head to Myrtle Beach. Here’s a SC red light law to know

Terri Richardson
·2 min read

Myrtle Beach has an average of 215 sunny days each year, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the sun will be a factor when driving in the Grand Strand.

And while those sunrises and sunsets are beautiful, they cause hundreds of accidents yearly as motorists are blinded by the sun’s glare. That includes the running of red lights, as poor visibility is one of the top reasons people violate the traffic stop law.

Most South Carolina accidents occur from 6 to 9 p.m. and 6 to 9 a.m., according to the South Carolina Department of Safety. A 2017 study showed that most people were injured during daylight hours and that bright sunlight was the most common weather condition at the time of the crash.

Unfortunately, you can’t use the sun as an excuse if you cause an accident or run a red light, according to South Carolina law.

Traffic in the Grand Strand is about to increase with upcoming big events like spring break and Myrtle Beach Bike Week 2024.

South Carolina law requires drivers to have unobstructed windshields to maintain a clear view of the highway. That means if the sun is shining through your vehicle’s dirty windshield, making it difficult for you to see, then you could be liable for a crash.

The SCDPS reports that glare and weather condition were among the top five contributing factors for crashes in 2021.

So aside from buying a good pair of sunglasses or pulling down your vehicle’s visor, here are some other tips from AAA for dealing with the glare.

  • Keep your windshield clean. Sun coming through your windshield highlights all the dirt and smudges on the glass, the article says. By keeping your windshield clean, including inside and outside, should help you to see better.

  • Drive slow. Obviously, driving slowly won’t help get the sun out of your eyes, it will, however, allow you more time to see the vehicle in front of you and watch for hazards including pedestrians.

  • Change your driving routine. If you’re forced to deal with sun glare on a regular basis, you may want to consider altering your driving schedule if possible.

  • Pull over. If you’re fighting a losing battle against sun glare, then pull over, maybe in a parking lot, and wait for the sun to move.