Crossing the street is finally becoming a bit safer. After hitting a 40-year high in 2022, pedestrian deaths decreased in 2023, according to a report published Wednesday by the Governors Highway Safety Association.

The report shows a 5.4% fall in the annual number of pedestrian deaths, the first decrease since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The association’s CEO, Jonathan Adkins, says the progress is a step in the right direction.

“We’re happy to see it going down, but we’re not having a party,” said Adkins.

The number of fatalities — 7,318 — is still far more than in 2019, before the pandemic. But Adkins said there’s some evidence that new safety initiatives could be helping. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also says that overall traffic deaths are trending down so far in 2024.

Road safety advocates have pushed for a variety of measures, including lower speed limits, more sidewalks and better lighting in pedestrian areas. Adkins says that layering multiple methods is the key to preventing deaths.

“There’s a lot of construction going on across the country that’s making the roadway safer. We’re engaging law enforcement in some new and creative ways,” said Adkins. “We’re looking at vehicle technology. So we’re doing a lot of different things, and that’s a different approach to safety in the United States.”

He singled out California, which saw the greatest decrease in pedestrian deaths, for working closely with local governments. “That’s different than, certainly, historically in roadway safety,” he said.

Adkins says that the report’s findings could reflect the start of a new trend in pedestrian safety, as initiatives continue to be implemented across the United States.

“It’s really just started in the last few years. And so I’m hopeful that that’s starting to pay off,” he said.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals many pedestrian deaths in 2023 occurred at night in areas without sidewalks. They were most likely to involve SUVs or other large vehicles.

Copyright 2024 NPR

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Around 30 runoff elections are taking place across South Carolina — many happening across the Midlands.

These are for races in which no candidate received a majority of votes during last week’s primaries, ranging from local races like sheriffs and county council to seats representing South Carolinians on Capitol Hill and at the State House.

• RICHLAND COUNTY: Rep. Thigpen, Councilman Walker challenge each other again for Senate seat

That is especially the case throughout much of South Carolina, where the vast majority of legislative districts lean heavily toward one party or the other, making them uncompetitive in a general election.

But the South Carolina Election Commission said runoffs are usually low-turnout races, with most garnering single-digit turnout among eligible voters.

MORE: Am I eligible to vote in the runoff today?

Eligible voters can also head to the polls on runoff day, which is Tuesday, June 25.

Polls will be open that day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the counties where there is at least one runoff. Check your sample ballot at scVOTES.gov.

South Carolinians voting in person, or if they are voting absentee by mail and returning their ballot in person, will need to bring a photo ID with them.

Check here for U.S. Senate, U.S. House results in South Carolina

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Copyright 2024 WIS. All rights reserved.

MONTVALE, N.J., June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), is thrilled to share its Sharp Business Systems’ (SBS) South Carolina branch was recently named as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina. Sharp was recognized on the list for its efficient employment and training practices, competitive pay and benefits, and outstanding corporate culture and work-life balance.

This is the eighteenth annual Best Places to Work in South Carolina program in partnership with Best Companies Group. The survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the state of South Carolina, benefiting the state’s economy, workforce and businesses. The list is made up of 108 total companies.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible team who strive every day to create a welcoming and innovative environment while always putting our customers’ needs first,” said SBS South Carolina’s Branch General Manager, Tommy Pickens. “Our commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, respect and continuous learning is what makes Sharp not just a workplace, but a community where everyone can thrive and succeed. We are proud to set the standard for excellence and will continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be one of the best places to work in the state.”

Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Places to Work in South Carolina. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking.

The rankings will be published online in August and companies will be recognized at an in-person awards ceremony on August 22, 2024, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The September issues of Charleston Regional Business Journal, Columbia Regional Business Report and GSA Business Report will also publish the rankings.

For more information on the Best Places to Work in South Carolina honorees, visit BestPlacesToWorkSC.com.

About Sharp Business Systems

Sharp Business Systems (SBS) is the direct sales division of Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation. SBS branches throughout the U.S. combine the resources of a multi-billion-dollar corporation with the value of local representation and community relationships. Sharp strives to help businesses achieve Simply Smarter work by helping companies manage workflow efficiently, create immersive and engaging environments, and increase productivity. SBS offers a full suite of secure printer and copier solutions, commercial displays and projectors, Dynabook laptops, management and productivity software and fully managed services. As a total solutions provider, SBS has a reputation for innovation, quality, reliability, and industry-leading customer support expertise.

For more information on Sharp’s business products, visit our website at business.sharpusa.com. Become a fan of Sharp business products on Facebook, follow us on X, LinkedIn and Instagram and watch us on YouTube.

Contact:
Paul Merchan
Peppercomm for Sharp
347.804.4608
[email protected]

SOURCE Sharp Electronics Corporation