Three years ago, we reported on the rising number of pedestrian fatalities around the country and in South Carolina. This month, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) issued its preliminary report on pedestrian fatalities for 2024. The trend from the first half of the year suggests that pedestrian fatalities have dropped slightly, but we still have a long way to go.
2024 Pedestrian Fatality Data
Nationwide, there were 3,304 reported pedestrian fatalities in the first six months of 2024. That’s down slightly from 2023. However, the number of pedestrian deaths from January to June is 12% higher than in 2019 and 48% higher than in 2014. The 10-year increase in pedestrian fatalities is nearly seven times the population growth during the same period.
South Carolina Pedestrian Deaths
Earlier data showed that pedestrian fatalities make up a disproportionate percentage of South Carolina traffic deaths. In addition, pedestrian crashes are disproportionately serious. Across one five-year period, more than 15% of pedestrian accidents resulted in death, and another 20% caused incapacitating injuries.
The number of pedestrian fatalities and rate of pedestrian deaths in South Carolina both dropped from 2023 to 2024, and dropped more than the national average. The projected number of pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people in South Carolina is 1.44. That’s down from 1.63 the previous year. Still, the state rate remains significantly higher than the national rate of .97 per 100,000 people.
Those positive changes may be attributable in part to efforts by state and local governments. In 2021, South Carolina took several steps to begin addressing risks to pedestrians and bicyclists in the state. These included:
- Updating the state’s Road Design Manual to include guidance for design of walking, biking and biking areas
- Issuing TG-38, which contains guidance for crosswalk implementation and consideration of measures such as raised crosswalks, mid-block crosswalks and better visibility of crosswalk areas
In 2022, South Carolina issued its first Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Action Plan (PBSAP).
South Carolina PBSAP
The PBSAP identified several areas of concern, including:
- Design historically having prioritized motor vehicle traffic, leaving roadways without adequate facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Non-compliance with existing laws by motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists
- The need for better communication with the public regarding existing laws and pedestrian/bicyclist safety issues
- Differing needs in rural v. urban areas
Local initiatives may have played a role as well. For example, in 2023, the Charleston Police Department launched a “Heads Up!” campaign to draw more driver attention to pedestrian safety issues.
Pedestrian Accidents are Still a Big Problem in South Carolina
Despite the progress, pedestrian fatalities are still high compared with just 10 years ago, and the improvements over the past few years have been small. There’s still a lot of work to be done. And, whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian, it’s still important to remain vigilant. Both distracted driving and pedestrian negligence play significant roles in the number and seriousness of pedestrian crashes.
If you’re a pedestrian who has been hit by a car in or around Charleston, you should speak with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with attorney Frank Hartman, call 843-300-7600 right now, or fill out our contact form.