SC ranked 3rd deadliest state for pedestrians in new report

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – South Carolina is among the most dangerous states for pedestrians, according to findings from Smart Growth America.

The national nonprofit recently released the second installment of their “Dangerous by Design 2024” report which analyzes crash data from the federal government from 2018-2022.

The results show the Palmetto State had the third highest number of pedestrian deaths, behind New Mexico and Florida.

Heidi Simon with Smart Growth America said southeastern states tend to fall within the top 20.

“So, many places in these states were built after the onset of the car and so they were planned with those roads in place. Whereas some places that were developed before the automobile was introduced into our transportation system, have that older grid system that supports walking and biking better,” said Simon, who serves as the Director of Thriving Communities for the organization.

Smart Growth America said while only 20% of the nation’s road network is state-owned, 54% of pedestrian deaths occur on these roads. Simon explained roads of that type are typically wide with multiple lanes and higher speed limits.

“Another issue at play there is that state DOTs are making decisions for communities without proper community involvement and engagement,” Simon added. “So, concerns of people living in the communities as to how they want or need to get around, might not meet the same needs and priorities of a state DOT making decisions outside of that community.”

A spokesperson for the South Carolina Department of Transportation released the following statement to News 2.

“Safety is important to SCDOT. We keep pedestrian safety a top priority in all of our projects and planning. Each year, SCDOT invests $135 million in road safety projects, with $10 million of that dedicated to projects for vulnerable road users (bicyclists and pedestrians).”

The first part of Dangerous by Design, released last month, ranked Charleston-North Charleston as the ninth most dangerous metro for pedestrians. Officials with the City of Charleston said through collaboration with SCDOT, planning, and funding opportunities, they are actively working to create a safer environment for pedestrians.

“Across the board, you know, we have this big picture vision of creating networks and linking the entire city so that you can cross, not just the city, but the region, you know, without ever getting in a car,” said Logan McVey, the Chief Policy Officer in the office of Charleston Mayor William Cogswell.

According to Dangerous by Design, there were 878 pedestrian deaths in South Carolina in the five-year period studied.