Stop. Educate. Enforce.

That is the motto of the new SEE program that has been launched by the South Carolina Highway Patrol in an effort to help reduce the number of pedestrians getting killed across the state.

Although there was only one person walking who died after being hit by a vehicle in Georgetown County, statewide it was the deadliest year since 2006.

More than 100 people pedestrians were killed last year, up from 84 in 2010.

At a meeting with local law enforcement officials this week, S.C. Highway Patrol Capt. Joe Nell said the main problem has been with walkers being in the roadway.

Of the 18 pedestrian deaths in the Highway Patrol District 5 area — which includes Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Marlboro, and  Williamsburg  — only two were the fault of the driver.

The SEE program includes troopers stopping when they see someone walking down the road, especially rural roads at night. The officer will talk to the person about walking safety tips and, if they are wearing dark clothing, they will be given a reflective bracelet so they can be seen by passing motorists.

The tips the walkers will be told include:

• Walk facing traffic on the shoulder of the roadway

• Wear light-colored clothing

• Wear something reflective on ankles, shoes or wrists

• Use crosswalks where available

Nell said because of the state of the economy more people are walking places. He said troopers will visit country stores and place flyers with the tips on the counter.

The Highway Patrol studied pedestrian accidents between 2005 and 2007 and found that the most commonly hit walkers were men older than 51. Not surprisingly, rural, poorly lit roads proved the most dangerous places, and Fridays and Saturdays between 6 p.m. and midnight seemed the deadliest times for pedestrians.

Alcohol often factored into those incidents.

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntimes.com