Residents in Charleston are raising serious concerns about pedestrian safety after a recent fatal accident and several other crashes. Many people now feel that walking in the city has become risky, and they are asking leaders to take stronger action.
Rising Concerns After Fatal Accident
In Charleston, the issue gained attention after 78-year-old Annelise Simmons lost her life while on a morning walk. She was hit by a truck at a busy downtown intersection.
Locals say this is not an isolated case. Many believe there have been too many accidents involving pedestrians, making daily walks feel unsafe.
Charleston Ranked Among Most Dangerous Cities
According to the “Dangerous by Design” report by Smart Growth America, the Charleston metro area ranks as the ninth most dangerous region in the country for pedestrians.
Recent incidents add to the concern:
- A fatal crash in Mount Pleasant
- Another pedestrian injured in West Ashley
These back-to-back cases have made residents more worried about road safety.
Residents Demand Stronger Safety Measures
A local resident, Gervais Hegarty Del Porto, has started an online petition asking city leaders to take action. Her main demand is to create a separate budget for pedestrian safety.
Key proposal:
- Allocate $1 million every year for pedestrian safety improvements
She believes the city must focus more on people walking rather than just vehicles.
Personal Stories Highlight the Risk
For some residents, this issue is deeply personal. Del Porto shared that her own family was involved in a serious accident. Her husband and child were badly injured and needed multiple surgeries.
Because of this, she now feels constant fear about road safety. She even avoids letting her child cross the street alone due to lack of trust in drivers.
Many parents in the community share similar fears, especially for their children.
Call for Better Road Design and Planning
Residents say the problem is not only about careless drivers. They believe road design also plays a big role.
They are asking for:
- Safer crossings
- Better traffic control systems
- Designs that reduce speeding and risky driving
The idea is to create streets that naturally encourage safer behaviour.
City Officials Respond
City leaders have acknowledged the concerns and said the recent fatal accident has affected the community deeply.
They also mentioned upcoming steps, including:
- Pedestrian scramble crossings at busy intersections
- AI-based traffic cameras for better rule enforcement
- More safety improvements, especially on King Street
Officials said public feedback will continue to guide their plans.
Growing Public Support
The petition has already received more than 1,800 signatures. Residents hope this will push authorities to act faster.
Many believe that city budgets should reflect what matters most — and for them, that means safer streets for everyone.
