4/12/07

Pedestrians be on the lookout: fatalities climbing for third straight year
By Eric Goold

ERIC GOOLD/Manning Times Photo

As a busy paralegal for Johnson, McKenzie and Robinson, Manning’s Brenda Keels has to cross the busy intersection at Brooks and Boyce Streets several times a day to go to the courthouse. Crosswalks and traffic signals help to make that journey safer.

Driving through Manning, it’s not hard to spot jaywalkers.

Pedestrians walk across the seemingly calm downtown streets whenever and wherever they can. Often they don’t go to intersections, nor do they wait for the proper time to cross the street when the traffic lights give them the go sign.

We’re all guilty of it. In the race to get where we’re going on time, we don’t really think about the fact that crossing through oncoming lanes of traffic is inherently dangerous and frequently is the cause of accidents.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol has issued statements warning residents that pedestrian fatalities are up statewide, and officers are making more frequent contact with pedestrians walking in roadways as part of its SEE program (Stop, Educate and Enforce).

Pedestrian fatalities, including hit-and-runs, continue to climb for the third straight year. According to a press release from the Highway Patrol, South Carolina has had 20 pedestrian deaths already this year, compared to 16 at this time a year ago.

Most people don’t understand pedestrian laws. While pedestrians do have the right-of-way in designated crosswalks and under certain conditions, they are not allowed in the roadway. State law requires that they remain on the sidewalk or the far shoulder of the roadway.

In vehicle-pedestrian accidents, pedestrians are at fault 63 percent of the time.

“Pedestrian deaths are by and large not occurring with joggers, walkers and people crossing city streets who tend to take a defensive posture when interacting with traffic,” said Highway Patrol Col. Russell Roark. “People are getting killed on rural roadways at night, wearing dark clothing. Many of them are intoxicated and already lying in the roadway.”

The idea behind the SEE program is to first make contact with pedestrians who are walking in the roadway. Educate them about the laws. Enforce the laws depending on the circumstance.

The SEE program began in the Chester area as a pilot project in 2005. In its first year of implementation, pedestrian fatalities dropped 43 percent.

There are some common patterns with pedestrian fatalities. They are occurring on poorly lit, rural roadways. Pedestrians who get hit are often intoxicated, and are either already in the roadway or step into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Excessive speed and drivers impaired by alcohol are sometimes involved.

The Highway Patrol urges pedestrians to stay safe. When you’re walking downtown or in rural parts of the county, never assume the vehicle driver sees you. Signal drivers that you intend to cross.

Get familiar with South Carolina pedestrian laws. Wear light and reflective material if you are a pedestrian at night.

Always use common sense. Look both ways. Cross streets at marked intersections or at the safest possible areas. Look out for turning cars.

While getting to your destination on time is important, getting there safely is your primary goal.