What We Know About the Collision
On the morning of Tuesday, October 13, a student from Rainbow Lake Middle School in Spartanburg District 2 was struck by a car while waiting for the bus. The collision occurred near Upper Valley Falls Road and Gobblers Knob.
According to available reporting, multiple students were roughhousing while waiting for the bus near the Gobblers Knob intersection. At around 7:40 a.m., a student ran into the street and was struck.
Soon after the child was hit, the school bus arrived on the scene. The bus driver helped call for emergency assistance, staying on the scene until help arrived.
The child is expected to make a full recovery, and no charges have been filed in relation to this incident. Information on whether or not the driver involved in the collision stayed on the scene to render aid has not been provided at this time.
Pedestrian and Auto Safety Tips
According to South Carolina Public Radio, between the years of 2020 and 2024, South Carolina ranked fourth in the country for pedestrian deaths, with nearly 900 pedestrians killed in collisions during that time. Charleston County saw the highest number of fatalities, accounting for about 17% of South Carolina’s pedestrian deaths. Charleston, meanwhile, ranked as the 12th deadliest U.S. city for pedestrians.
With these sobering statistics in mind, it’s important for pedestrians and drivers alike to learn about proper roadway safety. Below, you can find safety tips for both pedestrians and Texas drivers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Pedestrian Roadway Safety Tips
Obey all traffic signs and rules of the road.
Always watch for cars when crossing roadways and entrances.
Always use intersections and crosswalks rather than crossing mid-block.
When there are no accessible crosswalks or intersections, cross in a well-lit area only once traffic is clear.
Use sidewalks when they’re available.
Take special care to teach children about roadway safety.
If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far from the flow of traffic as possible.
Safety Tips for Driving in Pedestrian Areas
Keep an eye out for pedestrians at all times, particularly in areas where foot traffic is common.
Always follow road signs, speed limits, and rules of the road.
Take extra care where visibility is low.
Slow down near crosswalks, and always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
Never pass vehicles at crosswalks.
Take particular care in situations where pedestrian accidents are common, such as turning at intersections, backing up, and passing near buses.
As you can see, we aren’t powerless when it comes to reducing the number of pedestrian fatalities seen in our state. By each doing our part and keeping these rules in mind, we can help make these tragic events less common.
Injured in a crash?
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