North Myrtle Beach taking action to make sure pedestrians stay safe

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF)- The city of North Myrtle Beach is considering a study to make it safer for pedestrians because some people say there have been some injuries already this summer.

One child's leg was broken after she was hit by a car while crossing the street. And several pedestrians have been hit in Myrtle Beach already this summer so North Myrtle Beach is doing what they can to make sure pedestrians do not get hit in their city.

Each crosswalk in North Myrtle Beach will be evaluated to see the amount of traffic going through the area. Other possible solutions include installing bigger signage and flashing lights at some crosswalks. The city will start evaluating what should be done after Labor Day weekend.

Pat Dowling with the City of North Myrtle Beach says, "If it's a four lane crosswalk, which they are on Ocean Boulevard, the first car may stop and the pedestrian may start to go but the car in the next lane may not stop so you've always got to be aware."

The money to pay for the improvements will come from the Public Works Maintenance Division, and the city says it is not going to be a big ticket item. Drivers around the area say they automatically slow down when driving along Ocean Boulevard because of the fear of hitting someone.

They say pedestrians often do not look where they are going because crosswalks give them a false sense of security. But some pedestrians put the blame on cars who do not stop even though it is a state law to stop at a crosswalk when pedestrians are there.

Grand Strand visitor Kelly Cloninger says "I think it would cut down on accidents. I think it would increase the amount of tourists that come here to the beach because it's safer for us."

The city expects to implement any necessary improvements throughout the winter to be ready for next summer's season.

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