Santa Maria, CA (March 14, 2026) – A 1-year-old child was killed and the child’s mother critically injured after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in Santa Maria.
The collision occurred just before 3 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at the intersection of North Broadway and Fesler Street. Authorities said the 30-year-old mother was pushing her young child in a stroller on the west side of the intersection when a vehicle making a right turn from Fesler Street onto Broadway struck them.
Emergency units, including police, fire, and ambulance crews, responded to the scene. Both the mother and child were taken to Marian Regional Medical Center. The child later died from injuries sustained in the crash, while the mother remains in critical condition.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Understanding Pedestrian Safety at Intersections
Intersections are high-risk areas for pedestrian accidents, particularly when pedestrians cross while vehicles are turning. Even when drivers stop for traffic in one direction, turning vehicles can strike pedestrians in crosswalks if attention lapses.
Strollers provide limited protection for children in a collision. The force of impact can transfer directly to the occupant inside, making accidents especially dangerous for young children.
Investigators often review traffic patterns, signal timing, and driver behavior to understand how such collisions occur. Visibility, vehicle speed, and positioning in the crosswalk are key factors in determining why a pedestrian crash happened.
