NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)–A recent study from the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration shows more than 7,000 pedestrians have died from injuries or crashes on roadways, and here at home, leaders are working on a plan to make pedestrian traffic safer. The North Charleston Police Department and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) are advocating […]
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)–A recent study from the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration shows more than 7,000 pedestrians have died from injuries or crashes on roadways, and here at home, leaders are working on a plan to make pedestrian traffic safer.
The North Charleston Police Department and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) are advocating for more safety measures on the busy roadways to curb pedestrian fatalities.
“We’re still seeing people basically what you call J- walking even when they’re close to the crosswalk. They’re still doing it, and I just spent two days investigating a collision when a 10-year-old girl was hit by a truck. and she was crossing the road with her grandfather. They were 40 yards from the crosswalk,” said Captain Rick Keys of the North Charleston Police Department.
According to the North Charleston Police Department, since January, there have been a total of five pedestrian and two bicyclist fatalities.
Staff from MUSC said since 2021, trauma staff have provided aid to over 2,000 people with pedestrian-related injuries, which led them to start a group focused on advocating for pedestrian safety.
Captain Keys said most collisions happen on Rivers Avenue, Ashley Phosphate Road, and I-26 from distracted drivers. Officials remind pedestrians to use crosswalks on the roadways, especially on 4-lane highways.
Also authorities want drivers to slow down and pay attention to their surroundings because every second counts.
“Please slow down cause the collision impacts citizens and those working on investigations. We’ve had too many doors. It takes a while, so please help us not have to go through any more deaths this year.”
The North Charleston Police Department says driving above the speed limit or J-walking can lead to severe penalties like fines or jail time.