KERSHAW, Lancaster County, S.C., Sept. 24, 2026 — A man was hospitalized Wednesday night, September 23, after a Lancaster County sheriff's deputy's patrol car struck him while he was walking along Highway 521 in Kershaw. The deputy was not hurt, according to the sheriff's office.
The crash happened around 10 p.m. near the B&J Mini Mart, the sheriff's office said. A deputy driving a marked Ford Explorer on duty was headed southbound when the vehicle struck a 32-year-old man reportedly walking on the roadway.
The deputy stopped immediately, requested assistance, and provided aid to the man, who was reportedly alert and responsive at the scene before EMS crews took him to a local hospital, officials said. His condition has not been released. The patrol vehicle sustained minor damage, and the deputy was not injured.
Sheriff Barry Faile said in a statement that his office extends its best wishes to the man and hopes for his full recovery. A South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper responded to investigate the crash, and deputies said findings are not expected for several days.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Why Pedestrian Crashes Turn Deadly at Night on Rural Highways
Darkness changes the math for drivers and people on foot alike. Headlights illuminate only a limited stretch of road, and a person walking along the shoulder or crossing at an unlit stretch can be nearly invisible until a vehicle is close, leaving little time to brake or steer around them.
Vehicle front-end design also plays a role in what happens on impact. Many patrol fleets use taller vehicles, including SUVs and pickups like the Explorer models that tend to strike pedestrians higher on the body, closer to the torso or chest, rather than the lower legs. That difference means more serious internal injuries compared with a impact from a lower-profile sedan, where a pedestrian is more likely to be struck at the knees and thrown onto the hood.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 77 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark in 2023. Rural highways without sidewalks or consistent lighting, like the stretch involved in this crash, combine both risk factors: reduced visibility and higher-riding vehicles built with taller front ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a pedestrian do immediately after being hit by a vehicle?
Stay still if possible and call 911 or ask a bystander to call. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is important since some injuries, especially head or internal injuries, are not obvious right away.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In most states, including South Carolina, pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk generally have the right of way, though drivers and walkers both share responsibility for watching traffic and crossing safely.
What can drivers do to help avoid hitting someone walking along the road?
Slowing down on unlit roads, using high beams when safe, and staying alert for people on the shoulder are especially important at night and in rural areas without sidewalks.
What injuries are most common when a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle?
Common injuries include fractures, head trauma, and internal injuries, with severity often tied to vehicle speed and size at the point of impact.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Kershaw, SC
Anyone involved in or witnessing a pedestrian crash should call 911 right away and wait for law enforcement to arrive and document the scene. Getting checked by medical professionals afterward matters even when injuries seem mild, since adrenaline can mask pain in the immediate aftermath.
It also helps to write down what was observed, including lighting conditions, vehicle positions, and anything said at the scene, while the details are still fresh. Anyone affected by a pedestrian crash in Kershaw should follow up with their own physician in the days after, even after an initial hospital evaluation.
