COLUMBIA, Richland County, S.C., Sept. 25, 2026 — A University of South Carolina student was hurt Thursday night, September 24, after being struck by a car in the Five Points area of Columbia, South Carolina. The Columbia Police Department said the pedestrian was using a crosswalk at the time.
The crash happened around 10 p.m. on the 600 block of Harden Street, according to police. Investigators said early information indicates a car heading south on Harden Street struck the student while they were crossing.
The student was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover, police said. No further details on the student's condition were released.
The crash remains under investigation, and no further details have been released.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Where Pedestrian Crashes Concentrate in Busy Nightlife Districts
Pedestrian crashes tend to cluster in areas that mix heavy foot traffic with through vehicle lanes, and entertainment districts like Five Points fit that pattern. Streets built to move cars efficiently often run straight through blocks packed with bars, restaurants, and street parking, putting pedestrians and drivers in close contact at all hours.
Crosswalks in these settings carry extra risk when lighting is poor, because drivers assume there are less pedestrians outside of daylight hours, or none when a road curves or has parked cars that block sightlines. Nighttime crossings are harder for drivers to see, even when a pedestrian is following the signal and using a marked crosswalk.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. College towns and downtown entertainment corridors, where students and visitors walk between destinations late in the evening, are frequently the places where these crashes are reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In most states, including South Carolina, a pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk generally has the right of way, and drivers are required to yield. Pedestrians should still make eye contact with drivers and confirm a vehicle is stopping before stepping into the roadway.
What can drivers do around crosswalks and pedestrian-heavy streets?
Slowing down near intersections, scanning both sides of the road before proceeding, and avoiding phone use while driving all help drivers spot pedestrians earlier, especially at night or in areas with a lot of foot traffic.
What injuries are common in pedestrian crashes?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries, since they have no protection from the impact. Severity generally depends on the vehicle's speed and where the pedestrian is struck.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Columbia, SC
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 right away so police and paramedics can respond. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, aren't obvious right away.
If you're a pedestrian who was hit, try to note details while they're fresh, such as the direction traffic was moving and whether a crosswalk signal was in your favor. Keep any paperwork from the hospital and the police report, since these help establish what happened. Follow up with your own doctor for any lingering pain or symptoms, even after an initial hospital visit.
