North Charleston Struggles with Increasing Traffic Safety Concerns

North Charleston Faces Struggles for Safer Roads Ahead

In North Charleston, the traffic crisis is ever-rising, and with it grows a deep sense of concern. Every day, people like Kenneth Goodwin find themselves taking their lives into their own hands as they try to cross busy streets like Rivers Avenue. Known as one of the deadliest roads in Charleston County, this six-lane highway presents an all too common challenge for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

Weather Forecast: Warm Skies with Showers

In other news, today’s weather forecast is calling for partly cloudy skies in the morning, with temperatures peaking at a toasty 77°F. However, don’t forget your umbrella as occasional showers are expected in the afternoon, with a 40% chance of rain. As the day winds down, the low will settle around 68°F, and winds will be blowing gently at 5 to 10 mph from the east-southeast.

A Gloomy Reality on the Roads

Goodwin’s recent experience is a painful reminder of the risks pedestrians face every day. After carefully checking for traffic, he attempted to cross Rivers Avenue when suddenly a 2013 Chevrolet Suburban collided with him. What followed was a dizzying swirl of pain and confusion as he woke up in a hospital. At 67, Goodwin has been relying on a mobility scooter after a workplace injury and fears every crossing could be his last, stating, “I ain’t scared of nothing, but know what I am scared of? A car hitting me again.”

The irony is, he isn’t alone in his fears. Reports show that cars hit pedestrians nearly every other day in Charleston County, with far too many fatalities. Just this past summer, another resident of Goodwin’s facility, Patriot Villas, lost his life under similar circumstances on Rivers Avenue. Many are calling for a safety overhaul of Charleston’s roads to prioritize the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

Data That Speaks Volumes

Statistics highlight the urgent need for change. South Carolina ranks third in the nation for pedestrian fatalities, close behind New Mexico and Florida. The heart of Charleston is among the ninth-deadliest areas for pedestrians in the U.S. Between 2018 and September 2024, nearly 1,800 pedestrians and cyclists were harmed by vehicles in Charleston County alone. It raises the question: when will the dreaded cycle of injuries and deaths finally be acknowledged and effectively addressed?

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) manages over 41,500 miles of roads, creating a vast responsibility but unfortunately, ineffective responsiveness towards pedestrian safety. With budgets stagnant for decades and a growing population needing safer routes to walk, change appears slow. Even the upcoming transportation tax, which residents will vote on, may not meet the pressing needs, as many believe it’s simply not enough.

Why isn’t Anything Changing?

As officials ponder infrastructure improvements, average people continue to be at risk. While there might be a flurry of discussions and safety audits appearing in the news, for many, these measures often feel like “fluffy” or cosmetic changes at best. Just ask Lynette Ranz, who has been rallying for safety since losing her daughter ten years ago to a pedestrian accident. Her heartbreak echoes through the community, as people realize that slow changes keep taking too long on roads designed primarily for cars.

Major Streets Under Scrutiny

The Crosstown, a main route slicing through the city, highlights many issues. Designed decades ago when traffic patterns were different, the intersections present hazards for pedestrians to cross safely. Numerous deaths have taken place at specific intersections, sparking outrage and calls for repairs that often come too late for those affected.

As new plans roll out, many residents remain skeptical, longing for *meaningful* changes that go beyond mere paint jobs on the streets. In contrast, nearby Mount Pleasant attempts to offer a blueprint for safety by creating comprehensive plans that promote safer pedestrian use. This is the kind of proactive approach that North Charleston needs, allowing everyone a chance to walk or bike without fear.

Future Plans and Reflections

In the upcoming years, hopes hang on the project for a new mass-transit system along Rivers Avenue, set to bring much-needed improvements for pedestrians, creating potentially safer pathways for Goodwin and the like. However, with a completion timeline stretching until 2029, this leaves a long wait for those walking the treacherous treks today.

Until substantial improvements are actualized, Kenneth Goodwin continues to roll along, threading between lives and cars. He spends time parking his scooter and watching life go by, never quite letting his experiences deter him, yet always conscious that his next crossing could be his last. The grim truth is, without determined action, it may only be a matter of time until tragedy strikes again.

For North Charleston, the struggle for safer streets is more than an inconvenience – it’s a growing crisis begging for resolution.