Drivers hope for turn signal at Folly Road intersection following increase in crashes

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – Drivers who pass through one Folly Road intersection are worried that someone could lose their life if changes are not made soon.

“Every time I hear the sirens for a fire truck or police car, nine times out of 10, it has to do with that intersection,” said Logan Winslow.

He shared a photo of a crash that happened a few weeks ago near his home at Folly Road and Rivers Point Row. He said crashes like this are becoming common among north and southbound drivers trying to make a left turn.

“Because there are several lanes of traffic, when you are turning left, you cannot necessarily see,” Winslow explained. “It’s a blind turn to turn into Rivers Point Row. There’s also a lot of bikers and a lot of pedestrians that are constantly crossing that road as well, so when you’re trying to pay attention to the oncoming traffic to turn safely, there is a risk that if you’re paying more attention to that, you could strike a pedestrian.”

Winslow says other lights on Folly Road, like one at Camp Road, have a green arrow for protected left turns.

With so many retail and food chains moving in by Rivers Point Row, drivers like Winslow want to see one added at this intersection.

“If they could just add a little extension on the overhang of that light, and just add that signal, that would take care of a lot of the problems. Like I said, I’ve seen a handful of oncoming collisions and wrecks since I’ve been here, and it’s just going to increase as the summer months come around,” he said.

News 2’s Megan Fee spent part of the week trying to make Winslow’s idea a reality while discussing the Rethink Folly Road project with Charleston County.

Unfortunately, an official we heard from said there are no current plans to change the traffic lights – but that could always change.

The only work the county has underway in the area is adding sidewalk restriping for wider bike lanes.

“Plans in that area include adding sidewalk/restriping for wider bike lanes. It’s part of the Rethink Folly plan,” said Kelsey Barlow, Public Information Officer for Charleston County.

What’s driving you crazy on the roads? Send an email to [email protected] and explain your issue.