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DENVER, Denver County, Colo., Sept. 23, 2026 — A pedestrian suffered serious injuries in a crash with a vehicle Tuesday afternoon, September 22, at the intersection of Andrews Drive and Crown Boulevard, according to the Denver Police Department.
Police said that officers responded to the intersection after a motorist and a pedestrian were involved in a collision. The department reported serious injuries but has not released further details about the pedestrian's condition.
Traffic delays were expected in the area while officers worked the scene.
Authorities continue reviewing the crash. We hope the injured pedestrian makes a full recovery.
Why Pedestrian Crashes Turn Serious After Dark
A collision between a vehicle and a person on foot comes down to a basic mismatch. A car can weigh 3,000 pounds or more; a person weighs a fraction of that. When the two meet, nearly all the force transfers to the smaller, unprotected body. There is no bumper, no crumple zone, no airbag standing between a pedestrian and the pavement.
Darkness changes the equation further. A driver's headlights only illuminate so much distance ahead, and a pedestrian in dark clothing can be nearly invisible until a vehicle is close enough that stopping in time becomes difficult. Streetlights, headlight glare, and the driver's own adjustment to low light all affect how early a person on foot is spotted.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 84 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas in 2023. Speed at the moment of impact also matters. Even a small increase in a vehicle's speed shortens the driver's reaction window and increases the force delivered in a crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid hitting someone on foot?
Slowing down near intersections and crosswalks, scanning both sides of the road, and avoiding distractions give drivers more time to spot and react to pedestrians, especially in low light.
What injuries commonly result from pedestrian crashes?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries. The severity typically depends on the vehicle's speed and the point of impact.
What usually causes these crashes?
Common factors include driver inattention, failure to yield at crosswalks, low visibility conditions, and vehicles turning without noticing a pedestrian already in the roadway.
Does vehicle speed affect a pedestrian's chance of survival?
Yes. Research has shown that a pedestrian's likelihood of survival drops sharply as vehicle speed increases, particularly above 30 mph.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Denver, CO
Anyone involved in or witnessing a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately so medical help can reach the scene. Even injuries that seem minor at first, such as soreness or a headache, should be checked by a medical professional, since some symptoms take time to appear.
If you are the pedestrian and able to do so, try to note details about the vehicle and driver, and ask for the responding officer's name and report number. Witnesses should stay at the scene until police arrive and provide a statement.
Follow up with the Denver Police Department for updates on the report, and keep any medical records related to the crash in case they're needed later.
