Pedestrian Struck on Harden Street in Five Points
A pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries following a collision on Harden Street this past Thursday.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Harden Street within Columbia's Five Points neighborhood on September 24. The victim, who was hit while in a crosswalk, did not sustain life-threatening injuries.
Why it matters
The recent collision has renewed local scrutiny regarding pedestrian safety measures in Five Points. Residents and students have increasingly voiced concerns over traffic interactions in this high-traffic commercial corridor.
Pedestrian safety infrastructure on Harden Street includes flashing yellow arrows and reduced travel lanes. Users are required to manually activate a yellow yield light before entering the crosswalk.
The players
City of Columbia
This is the municipal government responsible for local traffic management and public safety enforcement.
SCDOT
The South Carolina Department of Transportation oversees the planning and maintenance of state roadways including Harden Street.
The details
The area underwent significant traffic modifications in 2025 to mitigate risks, including lane reductions and the installation of active warning lights. Despite these additions, the intersection continues to be a point of conflict between drivers and pedestrians.
Timeline
October 2025: A University of South Carolina student was hit by a car on Harden Street.
April 2026: The student filed a lawsuit against the City of Columbia and SCDOT.
August 2026: A pedestrian was struck in the vicinity of the Saloon.
September 24, 2026: The latest collision occurred involving a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Political Context
Opponents and local activists have argued that the 2025 Harden Street pedestrian improvement plan has failed to provide sufficient protection for residents. These groups maintain that further regulatory action and physical barriers are required to hold the city accountable for ongoing safety failures.
Residents and daily commuters should remain vigilant when utilizing crosswalks in Five Points, as recent incidents indicate continued traffic risks. The city has not announced new policy changes or immediate increases to security patrols in the area.
The takeaway
Pedestrians are encouraged to fully utilize the activated yellow yield lights to increase their visibility to oncoming traffic. Local stakeholders continue to press for additional safety evaluations in light of these recurring incidents.
Further reading
For ongoing updates regarding local traffic policy, visit Civic Engagement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WACH.
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