Street safety concerns grow after car kills dog

At least one Columbia resident is concerned about the increasing dangers of her neighborhood street. The fear comes after the woman’s dog was hit and killed in front of her house. She said cars speed down her street everyday. Now, she said she’s worried one of those cars is going to hit a child.

Veronica Patterson said her dog, Pludo, was one of the favorites in the neighborhood. On Wednesday night, she and Pludo were taking their nightly walk, just like they had done for the past 12 years. “We were crossing to come back in the yard and the car flew down the street and just hit him,” said Veronica.

The car took off after hitting the dog, leaving the dog lying lifeless in the street. “It hurts really bad. I’ve been here a long time. My dog has been in this neighborhood a long time,” said Veronica. She said it is no surprise her dog was hit and killed. She said Rice Road is too narrow, with no sidewalks, and cars speed down it.

After the death of her dog, Veronica’s concern turned to the neighborhood children. “Somebody’s child might be hurt next. So, something needs to be done out here to get this resolved,” Veronica said.

Columbia’s Third Ward Council member, Karl Skala, who represents the residents on Rice Road said part of the traffic increase on the road is due to Clark Road Construction because Rice Road was used as a detour. Skala said all roads in disrepair in his ward are on his priority list. “I’m certainly advocating for those folks and my constituents on this side of town to make sure that we have improvements for some of the roads that are absolutely essential to moving the traffic on this side of town,” said Skala

Skala said next year he will advocate for funds to improve many roads in the area.