Officer urge caution in congested holiday shopping traffic

FLORENCE — Traffic in Florence can be hectic this time of year, especially along David H. McLeod Boulevard toward Magnolia Mall.

Florence police said they’ve already noticed a large spike in traffic and congestion in the area, especially at night and on the weekends.

Though many areas become congested during the holiday shopping season, none are quite as congested as David H. McLeod Boulevard, police said.

“Friday, Saturday, Sunday, anytime after 5 o’clock, it’s real heavy traffic, bumper-to-bumper — pretty much anywhere you go near David McLeod,” said Cpl. Legrande Gowdy of the Florence Police Traffic Division.

Those who work in the area say it always has its share of crowds, but none are as congested as the crowds caused by holiday shoppers.

“One day I had come into work and I had to make a left- hand turn, which everybody was coming out of Kohl’s and it was a traffic jam … so it’s hectic,” said Shirleen Hawkins, who works in a hotel in the area.

The surrounding area is home to not only the mall, but also many restaurants, hotels and stores that are packed with people during the holiday shopping season.

“It’s not just Thanksgiving, it’s not just Christmas, it’s actually the whole month of December,” S.C. Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Sonny Collins said. “Riding the roads in Florence just this week, we’ve already seen an increase in traffic around these shopping centers.”

Florence police have taken extra measures this time of year, putting out a board alerting drivers about the congestion, educating the public and even assigning more officers to specifically patrol the area.

“We put our message board out on David McLeod, we’re also talking to the public, talking to people when we see them, asking them to put a little bit more distance between the cars, take a little bit more time getting somewhere. We also have our officers that are also dedicated just to working out there,” Gowdy said.

Although many people may be frustrated with the extra crowds, law enforcement officers say drivers should go the extra mile when it comes to using common sense. That includes giving yourself more time to get to your destination, allowing more space between crowded vehicles and exercising a little compassion for your fellow shopper.

“Should it be for a parking spot or a line at a red light, just always be that polite driver and a patient driver,” Collins said.