Little River Residents Raise Safety Concerns Amid Search for Hit-and-Run Suspect
Suspect Sought After Bicyclist Hit
On Saturday night, a hit-and-run incident led to the injury of a bicyclist, prompting highway troopers to appeal to the public for assistance in finding the implicated driver. Located close to Edgewood Road and North Myrtle Beach High School, the incident occurred on Highway 1008 in Little River.
But it’s hardly an isolated incident. Locals of the Little River area have expressed growing concern, citing an increasing number of traffic accidents, especially along Sea Mountain Highway. They point out that this is not the first traffic incident in the area and are growing increasingly concerned about their safety.
Residents Demanding Change
Among the concerned is North Myrtle Beach High School parent Holly Hayes. She disclosed that from the start of the present academic year, she has witnessed at least five accidents within the vicinity.
“This is just a nightmare,” voices David Senter, a manager at a local business, Midgard Self Storage. On the Sea Mountain Highway, he has observed “people slamming on brakes, blowing horns, accidents almost happening on a daily basis.”
In her call for action, Hayes points out that the region lacks adequate traffic control measures. She has called for more signage or even a traffic light to regulate the growing traffic. In the interim, however, she advocates for a crossing guard and a heightened police presence, though according to her, these requests remain unanswered.
Hayes states that “We’re overdeveloping and we’re not equipped to handle this many people on our small roads, it’s just not possible,” hinting at the rapid development and insufficient infrastructure in the area.
Highway Patrol Appeals for Safety
Lena Butler, a LCpl. with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, while declining to comment on the infrastructural needs of the area, has asked all road users – drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists – to exercise greater caution. She advises, “Pedestrians walk facing traffic, bicyclists should ride in the flow of traffic and obey all traffic laws.” Butler also suggests wearing reflective clothing for those out early in the morning or late at night to improve their visibility to drivers.
Meanwhile, the search continues for the hit-and-run suspect from Saturday’s incident. The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) urges those with any information leading to the apprehension of the assailant to get in touch at 843-661-4705.
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