What are the nation’s most dangerous states for pedestrians? A new study’s findings on the rate of pedestrian accidents might surprise you. The third most dangerous state for pedestrians in the country is not a state of rife with bustling metropolises or high-density population areas – it is South Carolina.
According to a new study called “Dangerous By Design” and published by Surface Transportation Policy Partnership and Transportation for America, South Carolina has some of the most dangerous pedestrian areas in the United States – and more than 200 people were killed on the streets of South Carolina in 2007 and 2008.
Among the most dangerous areas cited in the pedestrian accident study, Sumter, North Myrtle Beach, and Conway topped the list. Sumter recorded 8 pedestrian deaths in 2007 and 2008 while Myrtle Beach saw 22 pedestrian deaths over the same time period. The pedestrian danger indexes for the two areas were 328.8 and 250.8 respectively. Other cities with high pedestrian danger indexes included Spartanburg, Florence, Anderson, and Charlotte, all of which had a danger index of above 100.
South Carolina officials argued that the numbers in the study did not reflect the large number of tourists who visit the state each year and who are often involved in pedestrian accidents along the coast and in Myrtle Beach, where they are likely on foot. They also pointed out that just 77 people have been killed in pedestrian accidents so far this year – a significant improvement.
However, the Danger By Design study argues that the areas of pedestrian accidents in South Carolina suffer from poor pedestrian safety measures.