Why North Charleston is a Dangerous City for Pedestrians

Charleston is one of the most dangerous places for pedestrians in South Carolina, with North Charleston standing out as a hotspot for accidents. The Palmetto State is tied with Louisiana as the third-deadliest state for pedestrians, with nearly 1,000 pedestrians and cyclists killed from 2018 to 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Charleston County saw more than 1,800 pedestrians and cyclists injured in crashes from 2018 to September 2024 and over 150 people killed during that same period. Alarmingly, over half of those fatalities occurred on just five state-owned roads: Rivers Avenue, U.S. Highway 17, Dorchester Road, Ashley Phosphate Road, and Remount Road, roads designed to prioritize vehicle speed over pedestrian safety.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident in North Charleston, the Steinberg Law Firm can help. Our attorneys are dedicated to securing justice for victims and their families. Contact us today to discuss your case, hold negligent parties accountable, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Deadliest Roads in Charleston County

A report by The Post and Courier revealed that more than half of Charleston County’s pedestrian fatalities occur on just five state-owned roads:

• Rivers Avenue
• U.S. Highway 17
• Dorchester Road
• Ashley Phosphate Road
• Remount Road

These roads were designed for high-speed vehicle traffic, not pedestrian safety. Wide lanes, minimal crosswalks, and poor lighting conditions encourage unsafe driver behaviors like speeding and make it dangerous for pedestrians to navigate these areas. Local officials have limited control over improving these roads, as they fall under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), which owns and manages over 41,500 miles of roadway statewide.

Reasons Charleston Roads Are Dangerous for Pedestrians

Infrastructure issues significantly contribute to Charleston’s dangerous roads for pedestrians. From outdated designs to insufficient safety measures, these factors create an environment prioritizing vehicles over pedestrian safety. 

Key issues include:

• Lack of crosswalks—Long stretches of road force pedestrians to cross mid-block, increasing their exposure to speeding traffic;
• Outdated pedestrian bridges—Structures like the Rutledge Avenue bridge fail to meet modern pedestrian traffic needs and are often avoided.
• Poor lighting—Many areas lack adequate lighting, making pedestrians less visible to drivers, especially at night.
• Narrow roads—Historic streets on the Charleston peninsula leave little room for sidewalks or bike paths, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk.
• High-speed roadways—Roads designed for fast-moving vehicles, such as Rivers Avenue and U.S. Highway 17, discourage safe pedestrian crossings.

These design flaws demonstrate the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to create safer streets for Charleston’s growing pedestrian population. Addressing these issues is essential to prevent further injuries and fatalities.

The High Cost of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities accounted for 21% of all U.S. traffic deaths in 2023, with South Carolina contributing significantly to these numbers. Fatal and serious traffic crashes in the state resulted in $30.9 billion in economic and quality-of-life costs last year. These figures reflect:

• Emergency medical services and long-term medical care.
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering for victims and their families.

In Charleston County, these costs are amplified by the growing population and increased road usage, which put more pedestrians and cyclists at risk.

Recent Trends in Pedestrian Accidents

From 2018 to 2023, pedestrian fatalities increased by 16%, climbing from 6,482 deaths to 7,522 nationwide. During this same period, cyclist fatalities surged by 29%. South Carolina has consistently been one of the deadliest states for pedestrians, with fatality rates far exceeding the national average. Charleston County’s pedestrian death toll reflects this trend, with accidents occurring disproportionately in impoverished neighborhoods where residents rely on walking and public transportation.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in North Charleston often result from a mix of contributing factors:

• Reckless driving—Speeding, distracted driving, and ignoring pedestrian right-of-way are significant causes.
• Inadequate infrastructure—Missing sidewalks, poorly marked crosswalks, and insufficient street lighting create dangerous conditions for pedestrians.
• Driver impairment—Accidents frequently involve drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reducing their ability to react to pedestrians.
• High traffic volumes—As North Charleston grows, the sheer number of vehicles on the road amplifies the risk of pedestrian accidents, especially in congested areas.

These factors highlight the need for increased awareness, improved road design, and stricter adherence to traffic laws to protect pedestrians and reduce the number of preventable accidents in North Charleston.

Have You Been Injured in a North Charleston Pedestrian Accident?

If you or someone you care for was recently hurt in a pedestrian accident in North Charleston, the Steinberg Law Firm is prepared to handle all aspects of your case, from negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court. We have over 95 years of experience aggressively advocating on behalf of accident victims and know what it takes to secure fair compensation for everything you and your family have been through. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, give the Steinberg Law Firm a call at 843-720-2800. You can also connect with one of our attorneys through our secure online contact form.