Watch: Authorities on Reducing Risk for Pedestrians

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — In just one weekend, the Columbia Police Department says three individuals were injured by moving vehicles.

These are just the latest in a recent string of pedestrian involved incidents in the City of Columbia.

According to South Carolina Highway Patrol, Pedestrian involved crashes have claimed 29 South Carolina lives in 2016.

Trooper David Jones tells ABC Columbia that these accidents are preventable and reminds of a few ways to reduce risk, “Be visible, wear bright colored clothing and walk facing traffic and always know that if you’re a pedestrian, you don’t have the right of way in the road unless you’re in the cross walk.”

Corporeal Robert Uhall with the Columbia Police Department explains that regardless of where you’re walking it’s important to mind traffic signals, especially during rush hour and in crowded intersections.

He says, “We have a lot of jay walking as you will, crossing at a location without marked cross walks or cross walks in general.”

Additionally Corporeal Uhall suggests putting electronics away when crossing the street.

“Put it down, put it in your pocket or something until you clear the intersection. Just because you have the right of way, you still need to look left and right because cars won’t necessarily yield to you,” says Uhall.

He also points out that motorists are equally responsible for staying alert.

“When you’re coming up to an intersection, reduce your speed. You should also be looking even if you’re not at a marked cross walk. If you’re at an intersection chances are there’s people crossing.”