HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Pedestrian safety remains a critical concern in Horry County, with new data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety showing consistent patterns of collisions resulting in injuries and fatalities.
Over the past five years, Horry County has recorded 589 pedestrian-related collisions, which resulted in 562 injuries and 98 deaths. Injury collisions peaked in 2021, with 110 incidents, while fatalities were highest in 2022, reaching 25 deaths.
In 2023, there were 95 collisions resulting in 18 fatalities and 83 injuries. As of early October, the county has seen 73 pedestrian collisions, leading to nine fatalities and 70 injuries.
South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Lena Butler emphasized the responsibilities of both drivers and pedestrians in accident-prevention.
“Both the driver and the pedestrian need to be aware. We take for granted how important it is for us to be mindful of the things we’re doing as a pedestrian,” she said. “There are several distractions. Music can be a distraction, putting your headphones in while you’re walking or jogging. And the same applies to a motorist.”