Pedestrian Killed in Crash in Richland County

Being a pedestrian can be scary, especially in the late night and early morning hours, when darkness means that visibility is reduced. This makes it harder for drivers to see what is in the road, including pedestrians crossing the street.

Sadly, a pedestrian was killed after being struck by a vehicle on Two Notch Road in Richland County. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash happened in the early morning hours of October 3 in the Dentsville area.

The accident happened when a Kia Forte vehicle hit a pedestrian who was in the roadway. The pedestrian died at the accident scene. The driver was not injured. The crash is still under investigation.

Dangers of Being a Pedestrian

Walking may seem safe and routine, but pedestrians face serious risks when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Unlike drivers or passengers, pedestrians have no physical protection in a collision. Even a low-speed impact can cause severe injuries such as fractures, brain trauma, or internal bleeding.

Major causes of pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, speeding, drunk or impaired driving, and failure to yield at crosswalks. Many crashes occur at intersections, where drivers turning right or left may not notice someone stepping into the crosswalk. Pedestrian accidents also occur in urban areas and during nighttime and early morning hours when visibility is low. Weekends also see higher rates due to increased traffic and pedestrian activity.

Poor visibility is another danger. Darkness, rain, or poorly lit areas make it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians. People wearing dark clothing are particularly at risk. Road design issues, such as missing sidewalks, broken signals, or unsafe crossings, can also lead to an increase in these tragic accidents.

Pedestrian distractions can also play a role. Using a phone, listening to loud music, or not paying attention while crossing can delay reaction times and reduce awareness of oncoming vehicles.

To stay safe, pedestrians should always use sidewalks where available, cross at designated crosswalks, make eye contact with drivers before crossing, and wear bright or reflective clothing at night. Drivers must do their part as well. They should remain alert in areas with heavy foot traffic and obey all pedestrian right-of-way laws.   All pedestrian accidents should be reported to the police and injured pedestrians should seek appropriate medical attention.

Contact Us Today

Getting hit by a car can be a life-changing event.  Tragically, pedestrians are often seriously injured or killed in these crashes.  An experienced accident lawyer at the Simmons Law Firm can help investigate your claim and seek the justice and compensation you and your loved ones deserve.  It is important to contact a lawyer immediately in order to ensure that the at-fault party is held accountable for your injuries.

If you have been affected, the Columbia pedestrian accidents lawyer from Simmons Law Firm can help you get justice. To schedule a consultation, call (803) 779-4600 or fill out the online form.

Source:

wltx.com/article/traffic/two-notch-road-pedestrian-death-richland-county/101-35e47be9-1d0b-49b4-a07d-a5001e9ece95