Community Reaction to Fewer Beach Vehicles
Following the tragic death of 66-year-old Sandra “Sandy” Schultz-Peters, who was struck by an Horry County police pickup truck on June 13 near the Nash Street beach access, many beachgoers have voiced their concerns about trucks driving along the beach. The incident has sparked a call for changes to enhance safety.
Myrtle Beach resident Rachel Thompson expressed her worries, stating, “People come here to unwind and often aren’t paying close attention to their surroundings. It would be much safer if trucks used lights or horns to alert everyone when they’re moving on the beach.”
Positive Feedback on Safety Measures
Beachgoers have noticed fewer trucks on the beach and an increase in safety measures such as more cones. Visitor Mike Anderson welcomed these changes, saying, “Seeing all the cones made me feel that safety is being taken seriously. It’s comforting to know they are putting more thought into the safety of beachgoers.”
Implementation of New Safety Protocols
Sam Edwards, the city beach manager for Coastal Beach Services, confirmed several new safety protocols following the incident. These include adding more cones, particularly in high-traffic areas like 16th Avenue South, to block off designated zones for lifeguards, beach attendants, and vehicles. This helps prevent beachgoers from sitting in potentially dangerous areas.
Edwards also mentioned the installation of emergency access signs to ensure clear pathways to the water during emergencies. Additionally, they have installed front cameras and backup alarms on their trucks to enhance safety further. “We’ve established marked driving lanes with cones and installed cameras on the front of our trucks along with backup alarms. When reversing, the alarms make a noise that alerts people, ensuring they are aware of our presence,” Edwards explained.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Concerns
The investigation into Schultz-Peters’ death is ongoing. Local authorities have yet to provide any updates since naming the officer involved more than two weeks ago. The community continues to await further information as they adapt to the new safety measures on the beaches.
