Driver hit pedestrian who walked in roadway near Stefan Drive
December 05, 2025 | Johns Island, SC
A fatal pedestrian accident claimed the life of Robert Leventhal, a 74-year-old resident of Mount Pleasant, on Dec. 5. The incident, which occurred just after 7 p.m. near Stefan Drive, involved a vehicle striking a pedestrian in the roadway.
Authorities from the Charleston County Sheriff's Office are leading the ongoing investigation.
Robert Leventhal, 74, of Mount Pleasant, died after vehicle struck him while he walked in the roadway on Maybank Highway near Stefan Drive in Johns Island.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision took place on Maybank Highway as the vehicle headed toward Johns Island. Emergency responders transported Leventhal to the Medical University of South Carolina, where he succumbed to his injuries later that evening. The CCSO Traffic Services Unit and Forensic Services Unit examined the scene to gather evidence.
- Date and Time: Dec. 5, 2025, just after 7 p.m.
- Location: Maybank Highway near Stefan Drive, Johns Island
- Victim: Robert Leventhal, 74, of Mount Pleasant
- Vehicle Involved: Unspecified model traveling toward Johns Island
- Outcome: Fatal injuries leading to death at the hospital
- Investigating Agency: Charleston County Sheriff's Office
Investigators encourage witnesses or those with dashcam footage to contact authorities to aid the investigation.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities have risen sharply across the U.S., outpacing other traffic deaths, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). Distracted driving, particularly from smartphone use, remains a leading factor.
Factor |
Contribution to Pedestrian Fatalities |
Source |
|---|
Distracted Driving |
20-30% of cases involve phone use |
GHSA 2023 Report |
Speeding |
Increases severity by 50% |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Poor Visibility |
Nighttime crashes account for 75% |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Infrastructure Issues |
Lack of sidewalks in 40% of rural areas |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
This table highlights common contributors based on national data, emphasizing the need for heightened driver awareness.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on incidents involving pedestrians and vehicles.
In cases such as this, it's imperative to have an independent investigation to prove negligence. Having the proper resources is extremely important.
– Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
- Drivers must always yield to pedestrians in roadways.
- Thorough examinations help establish fault and support claims.
- Families may pursue compensation for losses like income, companionship, and emotional distress.
Family members may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic accident. An attorney can guide families while protecting their rights and ensuring fair compensation from insurers.
– Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).