Wilmington police urge drivers and pedestrians to stay alert at dangerous intersections
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — There are several roads and intersections in the Wilmington area where drivers and pedestrians need to stay especially alert.
UNCW freshman Andrew Ryan knows that firsthand.
Ryan said he was walking with friends to Taco Bell on South College Road late at night on Aug. 29 when a car suddenly struck him.
“We were walking on the side, like not even on the road, in the grass, and I was turned talking to one of them, I was turned to my left, and as soon as I turned back, I was getting flipped,” said Ryan.
Ryan was thrown into the air and landed on his back as the car drove away.
“My adrenaline was going crazy, so I really wasn’t in much pain at all, but once I, like, caught my breath, I like stood up and walked to the curb and sat down,” said Ryan.
The incident happened so quickly that Ryan said he had trouble processing what had happened.
“Did you register what had happened to you at all? Honestly, I don’t think so, I really don’t.”
Areas around schools have a high frequency of pedestrian accidents, and South College Road is one of several Wilmington thoroughfares where pedestrians and drivers need to be particularly cautious.
Market Street, South Kerr Avenue, and Randall Parkway are also among the areas identified as dangerous thoroughfares in the city.
While drivers have a responsibility to watch for people walking and biking, pedestrians also play a role in staying safe. That includes remaining visible, using designated crosswalks, and making sure there is enough time to safely cross.
“Just pay attention to traffic, stay off your phone as a pedestrian,” said Corporal Brendan McInerney with the Wilmington Police Department traffic unit.
McInerney says pedestrians should continue to pay attention even when they have the right of way.
“Even if you’re in a crosswalk, you still have an obligation to look for cars. If someone does decide that they’re going to not pay attention to a red light or a light, you should be looking,” said McInerney.
Police say both drivers and pedestrians need to stay focused and look out for each other, particularly at busy intersections and along heavily traveled roads.
