In late May, a woman in a wheelchair was struck and killed by a van as she tried to cross Mr. Joe White Avenue, WBTW-TV reported. Myrtle Beach police said that the woman was not in a crosswalk at the time of the collision. However, the accident has caused residents to worry about pedestrian safety in this popular area of Myrtle Beach.
People in wheelchairs face challenges in this part of Myrtle Beach. The area where the woman was killed has a lot of foot traffic and wheelchairs, but crosswalks are few and far between. There is nearly a mile between pedestrian signals at Oak Street, Robert Grissom Parkway and Mr. Joe White Avenue.
Police caution people in wheelchairs to stay in crosswalks and to keep out of bike lanes. But one Horry County resident who travels in a wheelchair pointed out that bike lanes offer a much smoother ride. Sidewalks tend to be bumpy and damage his wheels.
The city Public Works Department conducted a study several years ago to find out if more safety measures were necessary near the Community Kitchen area. At the time, city leaders concluded that additional crosswalks were not needed.
Police say the answer is continued education for people in wheelchairs. Captain David Knipes said it’s important to “let them know what the rules are for safety.”
Need Legal Help?
Accidents can occur without notice, especially if a driver is not paying attention to the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a South Carolina automobile accident or pedestrian accident due to somebody else’s negligence, contact our South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm.
Whether you need guidance on accidents involving reckless driving or distracted drivers or some other type of car accident, call (888) 324-3100 or use our online form so our attorneys can offer you advice about your rights.
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