Pedestrians don’t always have the right-of-way in South Carolina. Here’s what the law says
When it comes to pedestrian-involved car crashes, the driver is not always at fault.
Here’s what to know about pedestrians’ responsibilities on the roadway according to South Carolina’s laws.
Pedestrians and motorists should use caution and remain vigilant of the existence of each other. In other words, share the road.
Drivers and pedestrians must follow traffic laws at all times to avoid accidents.
South Carolina defines a pedestrian as anyone traveling on foot, and a sidewalk as the area in between the street and property lines intended for pedestrian use.
Highway and road are interchangeable, both being strips of land meant for car use, while freeway is specifically talking about a multi-lane, divided highway with controlled access.
If you are walking at night, it is best to wear reflective gear to make yourself visible to cars. It is recommended that you wear reflective gear on your arms and legs so that cars easily identify you.
When are pedestrians at fault?
There is a possibility that pedestrians can be charged for violating South Carolina law.
For example, when a person is on a freeway illegally, they could be found guilty of a misdemeanor, facing a fine or jail time.
Legally, pedestrians have to use the sidewalk. If there is not one, they may walk on the road as long as they walk along the shoulder or edge and stay on the left side facing traffic, according to South Carolina state law.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way inside crosswalks, provided they follow traffic signals. They may walk when the light tells them to and cannot when it is blinking yellow. That means people in the street can finish crossing, but people cannot enter the street after it begins blinking.
People can also cross the street if they are facing a green light as long as they don’t disobey the pedestrian traffic signal.
If there is no crosswalk, then cars have the right-of-way. Pedestrians are allowed to cross but must do so without impeding traffic. People should find a well-lit spot and wait for a lull in traffic before attempting to cross the road without a crosswalk.
Pedestrians are strictly prohibited from entering and walking along freeways, unless they have special permission to do so, such as performing public works or officials dealing with an emergency, such as a car accident.
Local pedestrian laws also in place
Along with state laws, some cities and towns, such as Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, have additional pedestrian rules to follow.
For example, North Myrtle Beach prohibits pedestrians from blocking the flow of traffic on a public street.
Pedestrian fatalities on the rise in state
The South Carolina Highway Patrol has posted many social media posts in reference to pedestrian safety and what motorists could do to avoid pedestrians, according to Lance Cpl. Lena Butler. Butler said the number of pedestrian fatalities have increased this year over last year and the SCHP has upped its enforcement and public education to try to avoid such accidents.
So far this year, Horry County has had 13 pedestrian fatalities.
