Driving in Columbia, South Carolina can be both exciting and risky. While the city is home to the University of South Carolina, vibrant culture, and economic growth, it also faces challenges like roadway congestion, distracted driving, and weather events such as Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton that worsen traffic safety. Intersections are particularly dangerous, and some rank among the worst in the state according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
In this blog, we will explore the top five most dangerous intersections in Columbia, SC, discuss why these roads are risky, and show how factors such as government planning, City Council decisions, and Flood Mitigation Plan efforts affect driver safety.
1. Two Notch Road and I-20
The intersection of Two Notch Road and I-20 is one of Columbia’s busiest. Located near shopping and job postings, it sees constant commuter traffic. During storms like Hurricane Helene, flooding worsens conditions, making this area dangerous.
Nearby, Huger Street connects to busy neighborhoods where the Department of Employment and Workforce often studies local crashes. These areas are also tied to economic well-being because accidents cause delays for businesses and workers.
2. Broad River Road and Bush River Road
This area is critical to commuters and often features updates from the Town Council about road safety. The high volume of traffic reflects Columbia’s status as one of South Carolina’s research universities hubs, drawing people with professional ambitions and learning and training programs.
Government agencies like the Coordinating Council for Workforce Development and the Statewide Education and Workforce Development Act initiatives all consider safe transportation essential for community Education Programs and career-enhancing certificates programs.
3. Gervais Street and Harden Street
This intersection near the University of South Carolina is filled with nightlife, pedestrians, and student drivers. Events like Operation Move-Out, Moonlight Movies, or the Hispanic Heritage Month Festival attract large crowds.
The area is also monitored by local leaders such as Ellen Weaver and Mayor William Cogswell, who emphasize safety near student housing and Youth Employment Site developments. Pedestrian zones and nightlife venues pose special dangers.
4. Two Notch Road and Decker Boulevard
This commercial corridor is known for heavy traffic and complicated signals. Drivers often use Online Services and Employer Self Service Portal apps to plan commutes, but congestion still leads to wrecks.
Nearby neighborhoods are supported by housing programs like Lowcountry Rapid Housing and nonprofit groups such as Habitat for Humanity, which see firsthand the risks posed by dangerous intersections.
Environmental issues like Plastic Waste, Sustainable Packaging, and treaties such as the Global Plastics Treaty may not seem directly tied to traffic, but urban waste management and flooding from poor drainage (referenced in the Water Plan and at Georgetown Harbor) affect driver safety.
5. Assembly Street and Elmwood Avenue
Close to downtown, this intersection sees thousands of commuters daily. It also links to cultural sites like Falls Park on the Reedy, the Reedy River Falls, and trails such as the Swamp Rabbit Trail and Croftstone Trail, highlighting how road design intersects with recreation.
Local projects like the Ashley River Crossing, Hudson Street bridge, and King Street Pump Station demonstrate how infrastructure impacts safety. Programs like Lowline Clean-Up Day and Boots on the Ground show community engagement in reducing hazards.
Why These Intersections Are So Dangerous
Factors include:
- Heavy Traffic Volume linked to job board demand and Search For Jobs Near You commuters.
- Complex Layouts influenced by South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation requirements.
- Distracted and Impaired Driving connected to nightlife events like the Heroes Softball Game or festivals at the Prisma Health Welcome Center.
- Weather Impacts from storms and coastal issues like the Beach Renourishment Project in Hilton Head Island.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Stay alert, especially near SC Works offices, Youth Employment Site projects, or heavy traffic linked to Military Spouse Licensure opportunities.
- Plan routes during non-emergency requests events or traffic-heavy weekends like the Cup Series Playoffs at Darlington Raceway.
- Follow updates from Novant Health, Shriners Children’s Greenville, or public agencies like the Greenville County Bomb Squad and FBI National Academy that contribute to traffic safety training.
Community and Environmental Impact
Car accidents affect economic well-being, strain city services, and even connect to issues like Extended Producer Responsibility, EarthEcho International programs, and Conservation International projects.
Nearby natural preserves like Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve and community spaces such as the St. Julian Devine Community Center highlight how safety extends beyond just drivers. Festivals such as the Cannes Lions Festival or Heroes Softball Game bring cultural crowds that increase roadway congestion.
Even Deer Hunting seasons, D.U.I. checkpoints, and Game recipes weekends affect traffic patterns in South Carolina.
About Ted Law firm
Ted Law Firm, is committed to supporting individuals and families across South Carolina who are dealing with accidents and roadway dangers. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. From intersections near the University of South Carolina to communities impacted by storms like Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton, or projects like the Flood Mitigation Plan, Ted Law highlights safety risks to raise awareness. By integrating voices from City Council, Town Council, and agencies such as the South Carolina Department of Transportation, Ted Law emphasizes that safer roads benefit everyone. Contact us today for a free consultation
