Residents of the Oaks at Marshview neighborhood in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, are demanding action after a terrifying near-miss incident involving a speeding car and a woman with a stroller. The event has sparked fresh concerns over long-standing traffic issues in this residential area, where neighbors say drivers regularly speed through, putting lives at risk.
Neighborhood in Fear After Near-Miss Incident
The recent incident involved 28-year-old Jack Randles, who was reportedly speeding through the neighborhood when he nearly hit a woman walking with a stroller on the sidewalk. According to a police report, a friend pushed the woman out of harm’s way just in time, before Randles crashed into a set of mailboxes and fled the scene.
Thanks to witness accounts, Mount Pleasant police were able to locate Randles and take him into custody. He now faces multiple charges, including reckless driving and driving under suspension.
A History of Dangerous Driving Ignored
For residents like Sandy Quinque, the situation is nothing new. She says the neighborhood has struggled with speeding drivers for years, especially from beach traffic using the road as a shortcut.
“My dog has already been hit, and now we’ve almost had people killed. It’s scary and frustrating. I just don’t know what else to do,” she said.
Mandy Raymer, another concerned resident, added, “There are kids who use this road to get to school. Even families outside the neighborhood don’t realize how unsafe it is. Do we really want to risk a child’s life before something changes?”
Town Says Incidents Are Rare—Residents Disagree
When News 2 contacted the Town of Mount Pleasant, officials stated that road safety studies were already done in 2017, 2019, and 2023, with only one previous report of an incident. These reports have been requested for public review, but residents argue that the data doesn’t reflect the everyday danger they witness.
“Just because something hasn’t been officially reported doesn’t mean it’s not happening,” said Quinque. “Every one of us in this neighborhood has had close calls or seen reckless driving.”
The Call for Speed Bumps Grows Louder
The main solution residents are asking for is simple: speed bumps. Locals believe that installing them at the entrance of the neighborhood would drastically reduce speeding and improve safety for pedestrians, bikers, and children.
However, the town has so far denied those requests. Officials now say residents can apply for speed bumps through the town’s Traffic Calming Program, and the road is scheduled for another review.
Still, many neighbors feel their concerns are being overlooked.
The near-tragedy in the Oaks at Marshview neighborhood is a wake-up call for Mount Pleasant town leaders. Residents are not asking for much—just basic safety measures like speed bumps to protect families and children from reckless drivers. While another study is pending, locals are hoping this time their voices will finally lead to action before it’s too late. Safety shouldn’t be negotiable, especially when lives are at stake.
