Pedestrian safety was one of the topics discussed during a law enforcement forum held March 14 in Greenville.
Hosted by state Sen. Karl Allen (D-Greenville), the meeting included a panel of officials from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the state Department of Transportation, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the state Law Enforcement Division.
Local community members heard and provided suggestions on how to improve safety along the area’s dangerous and busy highways. One of the main roadways of concern is White Horse Road/U.S. Highway 25.
“Last year in this senate district, we had six pedestrian fatalities — most on White Horse Road,” said Capt. Kevin Brown with the SCHP. “So far this year, we have had three pedestrian fatalities on U.S. 25.”
Lowering speed limits, adding more crosswalks and installing more lighting along the roadway were some of the recommendations made by the community.
Justin Powell, secretary of the SCDOT, said the department is willing to do a walking audit of the community to see if there are opportunities for improvements and engineering solutions.
“It’s all part of a combined effort,” Powell said. “It requires education. It requires enforcement from our law enforcement partners. It requires engineering from the Department of Transportation.”
To prevent and minimize pedestrian fatalities in the area, Allen said long-term solutions are needed.
“We’ve got to give it attention now,” Allen said. “This emphasis will help us advocate for funding to make the necessary changes that the engineers suggest we should make to save lives in Senate District 7.”
Safety tips to help prevent fatalities, such as encouraging pedestrians to always use sidewalks and crosswalks, were also offered during the meeting. If a sidewalk isn’t available, pedestrians are advised to walk facing traffic. Light or reflective clothing is also suggested to be worn if a pedestrian is walking at night.
White Horse Road
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, five pedestrian fatalities occurred on White Horse Road in 2023. So far in 2024, three fatalities have occurred on the same roadway.
