Following a tragic incident in South Carolina where a 66-year-old woman lost her life after being struck by a police truck on the beach, there are calls for legislative action to ban large vehicles from patrolling beaches except in emergencies. The woman, Sandy Schultz-Peters, was fatally struck by a Ford Ranger driven by a longtime officer on Myrtle Beach. Despite efforts to save her, she later passed away in the hospital.
This incident has prompted investigations by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) and has raised concerns about the safety risks associated with trucks on beaches due to their dangerous blind spots. Notably, this is not the first such incident involving an officer in Horry County, as a similar accident occurred in 2020.
State Representative William Bailey, a former public safety director, is proposing legislation to restrict the use of trucks on beaches. He advocates for using ATVs for patrols and limiting trucks to emergency situations with sirens to alert beachgoers. Bailey emphasizes the need for safer alternatives, citing the limited visibility of full-size trucks.
Another lawmaker, State Representative Tim McGinnis, expressed support for potential legislation to prevent similar tragedies while enabling law enforcement to carry out their duties effectively. The Horry County Police Department has already reduced truck patrols and increased foot and ATV patrols following the recent incident.
The department stated that trucks are still necessary for certain emergency situations and community transportation needs. They utilize a variety of vehicles, including trucks, ATVs, jet skis, and boats, depending on factors such as the time of day, service requirements, and beach population.
As the investigation continues and discussions around beach safety evolve, there is a growing consensus among lawmakers and law enforcement officials on the importance of prioritizing public safety while exploring alternative patrol methods to prevent future tragedies.
