Navigating the Most Dangerous Intersections in Columbia, SC

America’s roads are dangerous. South Carolina has a significantly higher rate of auto accidents in general (and fatal accidents in particular) than the national average.

Some of our cities are among the most dangerous in the country. If you live in or often visit Columbia, SC, you know how nerve-wracking driving the city’s streets and intersections can be.

How South Carolina stacks up

Before we dive into the five intersections in town that you need to be wary of, let’s look at how the state compares to others. Based on the 2022 South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) Fact Book:

Overall auto accidents in South Carolina

• In 2022, South Carolina reported 142,197 traffic collisions, a jump from previous years.
• Those collisions resulted in 59,172 injuries and 1,081 fatalities across the state.
• On average, South Carolina saw 389 crashes, 162 injuries, and nearly three deaths per day from auto accidents.

Contributing factors to crashes

• Distracted driving (cell phone use and other distractions) contributed to many of those accidents.
• Alcohol-related crashes accounted for approximately 30% of all fatalities.

Crashes on different road types

• Intersections are often accident sites, with over 40% of all crashes at the intersection or nearby.
• South Carolina’s rural roads (most highways) account for 61% of fatalities.

But what about the area around Columbia, SC? Here’s the breakdown for Richland County specifically:

• Richland County consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous counties in the state.
• Three of the leading causes of auto accidents in and around Columbia, SC, are:
  • Speeding
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Distracted driving
• A handful of intersections and interchanges are among the most dangerous in the state.

Certain intersections significantly affect the number of car accidents in Columbia, SC. To get around the city, you’ll need to know more than where you’re going. You need to know which areas are the most dangerous and what to watch for.

The 5 most dangerous intersections in Columbia, SC

Want to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road? Knowing which areas require the most attention will help. Here are five intersections in Columbia, South Carolina, known for their high accident rates:

I-20 at I-26 Interchange

This is where two of South Carolina’s busiest highways intersect. It’s notorious for its complex design and heavy traffic. Multiple converging lanes and high vehicle speeds increase the chances of accidents, especially during peak hours.

Why it’s dangerous: High speeds, frequent lane changes, and merging vehicles create chaos at this major highway intersection. This area saw over 200 reported accidents just in 2022.

Two Notch Road (US-1) at Trenholm Road Extension

This intersection is located in a busy commercial area with lots of shopping centers and restaurants. Frequent lane changes and turns contribute to the danger, but you also need to factor in pedestrian traffic.

Why it’s dangerous: A combination of local and through traffic, plus busy shopping centers, leads to congestion and confusion.

Garners Ferry Road (US-76) at Leesburg Road (SC-262)

As a major route for both commuters and commercial traffic, this intersection sees major congestion daily. The mix of local and through traffic and multiple access points means a higher number of accidents.

Why it’s dangerous: Heavy truck traffic and frequent left turns make this a daunting area.

Broad River Road (US-176) at Bush River Road

This intersection is a main connector for residents and visitors trying to get to nearby residential and shopping areas. Lots of traffic and convoluted patterns make it particularly challenging to get through safely.

Why it’s dangerous: A crowded intersection with complex lane setups and inconsistent driver behavior.

Assembly Street (SC-48) at Gervais Street (US-1)

Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, this intersection is surrounded by government buildings, businesses, and the University of South Carolina. Lots of foot traffic and congested travel lanes increase the potential for accidents.

Why it’s dangerous: Lots of pedestrians combined with dense downtown traffic flow makes this intersection a prime spot for accidents.

Don’t assume that you’re out of harm’s way because you’re not at one of these five intersections. Distracted driving, speeding, and not obeying traffic signals all add significantly to accidents. Stay alert, follow the rules, and be mindful of others on the road.

Tips for safely navigating dangerous intersections

Staying safe on Columbia’s roads means you need a mix of awareness, preparation, and defensive driving. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:

• Be present: Keep your attention on the road. Don’t try to multitask (speaking on the phone, eating, etc.).
• Obey traffic signals: Red lights and stop signs exist for a reason. Don’t try to beat them.
• Use turn signals: Let other drivers know that you’ll be turning.
• Be cautious of blind spots: Larger vehicles and complex lane layouts can make it harder to see other cars.
• Reduce speed: Slowing down gives you more time to react, especially in congested or unfamiliar intersections.

Improving safety for everyone

While individual drivers play an important role in reducing accidents, more needs to be done.

• Adding clearer signage, better lighting, and more visible crosswalks can make navigating many of the city’s more dangerous streets and intersections easier
• Installing red-light cameras or real-time traffic monitoring systems can help reduce the number of people running red lights
• Residents can push for improvements at dangerous intersections by working with local government and transportation agencies

Have you or a loved one been involved in an accident at any of these intersections? Don’t try to handle the situation on your own. An experienced auto accident attorney can help. At McGowan, Hood & Felder, LLC, we’re committed to fighting for your rights and helping you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.