Pedestrians in Richland and Lexington counties are being hit and/or killed at an alarming rate this year according to authorities. Nine pedestrians have died on public streets in both counties in the first 3 months of 2011. In comparison, 14 were killed in both counties in all of 2010. This number is alarming to officials because it accounts for more than 1/3 of the 25 pedestrians run over and killed statewide since January 1, 2011.So, officals begin attacking the problem. Columbia police Chief Randy Scott has turned more of his departments focus onto pedestrian safety; USC transportation director along with campus police chief Chris Wuchenich created a working group to address safety issues. Statewide, highway patrol troopers lauched their own pedestrian safety effort back in January. Just last week, Columbia enacted a ban on texting while driving aiming to keep those who are walking safe from distracted drivers.
The issue remains; pedestrians need to watch where they are going, be aware of whats going on around them, and obey all traffic laws. Motorists also have a responsibility to watch out for pedestrians and keep distractions in the car to a minimum, and obey traffic laws. Being aware and undistracted will help reduce the number of pedestrian deaths in South Carolina.
