Charleston has become one of the most hazardous places for pedestrians in the United States, with many pedestrian deaths occurring on just five main roads. The tragic story of Kenneth Goodwin, a veteran using a motorized scooter to navigate busy streets, highlights these dangers. Goodwin was struck by a vehicle on Rivers Avenue—a road notorious for pedestrian incidents—leaving him injured and fearful of another collision. His situation, along with numerous other accidents, underscores the urgent need for safer roadways for non-motorized users.
The Most Dangerous Roads in Charleston
The Post and Courier identified that a significant number of pedestrian deaths happen repeatedly on the same five roads in Charleston County, all owned by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT):
These thoroughfares, designed primarily for vehicle speed, are often without essential pedestrian infrastructure, like continuous sidewalks or frequent crosswalks, making them perilous for walkers and cyclists.
Charleston’s Alarming Statistics on Pedestrian Safety
In the past several years, Charleston has gained national attention for its pedestrian fatality rate, ranking as the ninth-deadliest area for pedestrians in the United States. From 2018 to 2022, nearly 1,000 pedestrians and cyclists were killed statewide in South Carolina. Charleston County alone reported 1,800 pedestrian and cyclist injuries and over 150 fatalities. National data reveal that poor, often marginalized communities are the most affected, as residents in these areas are more likely to rely on walking or public transit.
Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Risks
- Road Design and Lack of Infrastructure: The state’s largest road authority, SCDOT, manages 41,500 miles of roadway but struggles with a tight budget for road safety projects, leaving numerous areas with outdated designs. Roads with few pedestrian facilities tempt walkers to cross unsafely, as lengthy stretches without crosswalks make jaywalking almost unavoidable.
- Funding Constraints: Charleston’s transportation fund has not grown with its population, limiting the ability to make lasting improvements. Even if local tax initiatives pass, the allocated money still falls short of covering all necessary safety upgrades. Current transportation funding proposals include annual contributions toward pedestrian and cyclist projects, but it remains unclear if this will address all urgent needs.
- A Reactive Approach to Road Safety: Infrastructure improvements often occur only after multiple fatalities, which shows that road safety enhancements are still largely reactive. A recent fatal accident on Morrison Drive spurred immediate changes, such as installing new traffic lights and crosswalks, while other dangerous roads like Ashley Phosphate Road remain unimproved despite high fatality rates.
Efforts to Address the Pedestrian Safety Crisis
Some steps have been taken to address Charleston’s pedestrian safety, but changes have been slow and often limited:
- Complete Streets Policy: In 2021, SCDOT adopted a “complete streets” policy to consider pedestrians and cyclists in road design. However, the policy’s impact has been limited by budget constraints and the vast number of miles requiring attention.
- Safety Audits and Road Redesigns: In response to public outcry, SCDOT has conducted safety audits on high-risk roads, leading to planned improvements on some of the deadliest intersections. For example, the dangerous Crosstown section of Highway 17 is slated for intersection upgrades by 2025, with construction expected in 2026. These changes will include new medians, traffic signals, and lighting.
- Community and Federal Collaboration: Federal funds are essential to any major safety initiative. In a rare success, a new electric bus transit system, partially funded by a 2016 sales tax, will extend through Charleston by 2029. This project will reconstruct sidewalks and add new crosswalks, benefitting pedestrians along Rivers Avenue. However, the lack of immediate impact underscores the need for shorter-term solutions.
The Human Toll of Unsafe Roads
The persistent delays in road safety improvements have a direct impact on lives. One notorious section of Highway 17, the Crosstown Parkway, illustrates how limited changes can lead to continued fatalities. The tragic death of College of Charleston student Lindsey Ranz in 2014 prompted initial safety reviews, yet significant changes have only recently been considered. For those who have lost loved ones, like Ranz’s mother, any positive changes are bittersweet, often arriving too late.
Charleston’s Future: Striving for Safer Streets
Charleston’s population growth brings more vehicles to already congested roads, increasing risks for pedestrians. With an average of 30 new residents per day and millions of annual tourists, local officials argue that improving pedestrian infrastructure is essential to prevent worsening congestion and fatal accidents. Charleston’s Mayor emphasizes the importance of walkability, stressing that “If everyone has to drive to do everything, we’re doomed.”
Bridging Infrastructure Gaps: Challenges and Costs
The need to bridge infrastructure gaps extends beyond Charleston’s city center. Suburban roads also lack basic pedestrian facilities, with some major bridges remaining entirely inaccessible to non-drivers. The Limehouse Bridge, for example, had plans for a pedestrian bridge, but this was canceled due to funding shortfalls. Meanwhile, the North Bridge, connecting Charleston and North Charleston, has seen multiple fatalities due to its lack of walkable space, despite improvement studies dating back to 2008.
Addressing these dangerous stretches would require a significant, coordinated effort from local, state, and federal agencies. Yet many of these projects have stalled due to budget constraints or shifts in priorities. For residents like Kenneth Goodwin, who rely on mobility devices to get around, the wait for safer roads can feel endless.
A Call for Action
The tragic stories of individuals affected by Charleston’s dangerous roadways remind us of the urgency for safety improvements. Road design, funding limitations, and reactive policies continue to pose challenges, but advocates urge that each step forward saves lives. As Charleston County considers additional funding measures, the community hopes for meaningful changes that will make streets safer for all, regardless of their mode of transportation.
Local leaders and pedestrian safety advocates recognize that while immediate, small-scale changes—like adding crosswalks and adjusting traffic signals—are helpful, they aren’t enough to tackle the larger problem. Charleston’s roads require a fundamental redesign to prioritize pedestrian safety alongside vehicle flow. Until then, however, the city’s roads will likely remain treacherous, especially for those like Goodwin who have no other option but to navigate them daily.
What the Ted Law Firm Can Do For You
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, please call Ted instead and give the Ted Law Firm a call at 888-333-5555 and our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to assist you in these hard times.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
