Commuters demand safety changes after deadly crash at Highway 41 intersection

Commuters who travel Highway 41 are renewing calls for safety changes at the intersection with Halfway Creek Road after a deadly crash there yesterday. An 18-wheeler collided with a truck pulling a camper, and the driver of the truck was pronounced dead at the scene. Drivers and advocates say the intersection has been the site of multiple fatal crashes over the years and point to speeding, limited visibility and drivers ignoring traffic rules as key factors. Traffic on Highway 41 often moves well above the posted limit, drivers observe, with vehicles traveling “anywhere from 55 to 70 miles an hour,” and that heavy truck traffic adds to the danger. They said vehicles on Highway 41 do not always slow or stop for turning traffic, creating hazards for drivers trying to turn from Halfway Creek Road and Reflectance Road, where they say visibility of oncoming traffic is limited. READ MORE | Residents raise flooding concerns during Highway 41 environmental permit hearing Another concern raised by drivers is truck traffic on Reflectance Road. Only local deliveries are allowed on the road, but residents said large trucks continue to use it and attempt turns at the intersection. “They say the speed limit is 45? They’re booking 55. And that intersection needs a stop light. And we’re tired of hearing we’re doing studies we’re doing reports. I mean how many more lives is it going to take for you to keep telling us you’re doing studies and reports?” said Wade Malloch, an activist who has lived in the area for decades and said he has witnessed countless crashes at the intersection. Hollis McClray, a commuter, said some drivers avoid the intersection altogether. “What people usually do is go down to the Sphinx gas station and cut back. It’s just not worth it taking that risk,” McClray said. Malloch said trucks using Reflectance Road are breaking restrictions. “They’re in violation of the law set by SCDOT, and it’s all day long. It just makes no sense,” he said. Klee Mitchell, described as a concerned citizen, said enforcement and a traffic signal are needed. “I want a stop light right there and an officer sitting right here,” Mitchell said. While at the intersection, a crew reported seeing multiple crashes in the area during the day. Berkeley County, the city of Charleston and the South Carolina Department of Transportation were contacted about plans to improve safety at the intersection. The city of Charleston said the road is owned and operated by SCDOT and Berkeley County. SCDOT referred to a statement released yesterday after the fatal crash, saying “one death on the road is one to many,” and said it is planning to hold a public meeting in September to discuss solutions for the intersection.