Residents raise safety concerns as troopers continue to search for Little River hit-and-run suspect

LITTLE RIVER, S.C. (WMBF) - Troopers are asking for the public’s help finding the driver responsible for hitting and injuring a bicyclist and then leaving the scene Saturday night in Little River.

The incident happened on Highway 1008, near Edgewood Road and North Myrtle Beach High School.

“We need help here,” said North Myrtle Beach High School parent Holly Hayes.

Residents like Hayes said Saturday is not the first time an incident has happened in the area, and they are becoming more concerned about traffic, especially on Sea Mountain Highway.

“This is just a nightmare,” said David Senter, a facility manager at Midgard Self Storage, located right next to the school. “You see people slamming on brakes, blowing horns, accidents almost happening on a daily basis.”

Hayes told WMBF News since the beginning of the school year, she’s seen five accidents in the area.

“It is a growing, hazardous situation,” said Hayes. “Drivers don’t know how to navigate this kind of traffic because there’s no rules it’s like outlaw out here.”

Hayes said in the long run, she would like to see more signage or even a traffic light. But, in the meantime, she said residents have asked for a crossing guard and more of a police presence in the area-- requests that have not been answered.

“We’re overdeveloping and we’re not equipped to handle this many people on our small roads, it’s just not possible,” said Hayes.

LCpl. Lena Butler with the South Carolina Highway Patrol said she can’t comment on what infrastructure should or shouldn’t go in the area, but she wants drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists to all be more careful.

“Pedestrians walk facing traffic, bicyclists should ride in the flow of traffic and obey all traffic laws,” said Butler.

Butler also recommends that pedestrians or cyclists out early in the morning or late at night wear reflective clothing so drivers can more easily see them.

Anyone with information about the recent hit-and-run is asked to call SCHP at 843-661-4705.

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