CLOVIS, Fresno County, Calif., Sept. 30, 2026 — A teenage boy was hospitalized with major injuries Tuesday afternoon, September 29, after being struck by a car in Clovis. The crash happened at the intersection of Temperance and Bullard avenues, according to police.
Clovis police said the crash was reported just after 4:30 p.m. at the intersection. The teen suffered injuries described by officers as major and was taken to a hospital.
What led up to the crash remains under investigation. We wish those injured a swift and full recovery.
When Pedestrian Crashes Are Most Likely to Happen
Pedestrian crashes do not spread evenly across the day. Many cluster in the late afternoon and early evening, when school lets out, workplaces empty and foot traffic mixes with vehicles hurrying home. Sunlight starts to fade earlier in the fall and winter months, and that shift in light can catch both drivers and walkers off guard before anyone has adjusted their habits.
Darkness changes what a driver can process in the time available to react. Headlight glare, shadows near intersections and a driver's own fatigue from a long day can all narrow the window to spot someone stepping off a curb. Weekend nights add another layer, with more people walking near restaurants, bars and event venues, often along roads built mainly for car traffic.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities decreased from 1,213 in 2022 to 1,106 in 2023. The drop suggests conditions can improve, even as the timing patterns behind these crashes, evening commutes, dusk, weekend nights, tend to stay consistent year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most pedestrian accidents happen?
A large share occur at or near intersections, where turning vehicles and crossing pedestrians occupy the same space at the same time. Midblock crossings away from marked crosswalks also carry elevated risk.
Are pedestrian accidents more common at night?
Reduced visibility after dark is a factor in many pedestrian crashes, particularly in the early evening hours when both foot and vehicle traffic are heavy.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
Stay still if possible and ask someone to call 911. Even injuries that feel minor at first can worsen, so a medical evaluation is important before assuming there's no lasting harm.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections, but drivers and walkers both share responsibility for watching for each other, especially where visibility is limited.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Clovis, CA
Anyone involved in or witnessing a pedestrian crash in Clovis should call 911 right away so paramedics and police can respond. Getting checked by medical personnel at the scene matters even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take hours to appear.
If you're a witness, try to note what you saw, including the time, location and any details about the vehicle or signal timing, while it's still fresh. Families of someone who was hurt should keep records of hospital visits and any instructions from treating physicians, which can help down the road. Clovis police continue to investigate crashes like this one, and anyone with information is typically encouraged to contact the department directly.
