Fans are getting revved up for the Southern 500 Saturday evening, and so are police.
"Our traffic detail is pretty much working 24 hours a day on 151 outside Clanton's (Auto Auction),” said Darlington Police Captain Danny Watson.
Thousands of NASCAR fans travel from out of town and are not familiar with the roads. Watson said its the most dangerous time to be on or near the streets.
"Be aware that when people are out of their elements they're more apt to get into accidents," he said.
It’s something the Surfside Beach Police know all too well. Officers responded to a pedestrian killed, just a few months ago.
"Unfortunately, they happen,” said Chief of Police Mike Frederick. “Law enforcement, we work them here and there. But the bottom line is anytime you mix foot traffic and high speed vehicle traffic, that's a dangerous situation. Everybody needs to follow the rules. Motorists need to watch for pedestrians. Pedestrians need to watch for motorists."
"No mater if you're at the track in Darlington or walking near the beach in Surfside, the rules for pedestrians are all the same.
- Always walk on the side of the road that's going against traffic.
- Remember to use crosswalk when walking through a busy intersection.
- Remember to always wear something reflective either light colored clothing or something shinning so that cars will see you coming."
"Don't count on the fact that people see you,” said Watson. “Make sure that they see you before you step out into traffic or any other place."
Both officers said there is one thing all walkers should remember:
"Stay off the paved portion of the roadways as much as they can,” said Frederick. “Even there's not a sidewalk. Even if they have to walk on the other side of a ditch, it might be inconvenient, but getting hit by a car is pretty inconvenient too."
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