Summers Corner community raises concerns about pedestrian safety

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)–Residents in one Dorchester County neighborhood are raising concerns about transportation safety in the area after they say they’ve seen an increase in accidents recently. 

Residents in the Summer Corner neighborhood said there have been two recent accidents involving pedestrians. They say dark roads and fast drivers are to blame. 

“They need to slow down even on this main street because it’s too dangerous they go too fast, and the kids walk the sidewalk, but you never know when they might jump out at you it really worries me,” said Don Hill, resident in Summer Corner. 

Since it was built in 2015, the neighborhood has seen major growth, but the transportation infrastructure isn’t keeping up, leaving residents who were once excited about the family-friendly neighborhood feeling unsafe.

“I walk with my daughter all the time, and I’m always afraid that I’m going to get hit or she’s going to get hit. I don’t want to be the next static on why Lenar or Dorchester County finally does something.” Said Matthew Mastroianni, a Summers Corner resident. 

Neighbors say they’ve brought their concerns to officials but so far nothing has been done, and they are calling on leaders to act before it is too late.

“The worst thing would be somebody die right now. That’s what we’re risking here by them continue to kick this down the road, and I don’t, and they don’t know how fat this is going to go. All thousands of us are concerned,” said Mastroianni.

Dorchester County responded to the concerns in the statement below.

“This is a private project by the Summers Corner developer, Lennar. The developer has plans for a pedestrian bridge and has indicated they intend to complete the project,” said Dorchester County.