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EL CAJON, San Diego County, Calif., Oct. 12, 2026 — A woman died early Saturday morning, October 10, after being struck by a car near East Washington Avenue and South Mollison Avenue in El Cajon. The driver fled the scene without stopping, according to police.
The El Cajon Police Department said it received reports around 12:06 a.m. of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at the intersection. Police said the woman had been crossing South Mollison Avenue when a car struck her.
She died at the scene, police said.
The driver left the area after the crash, who said no description of the vehicle or driver has been made public.
The case remains under investigation. We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Pedestrian Deaths in California by the Numbers
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities decreased from 1,213 in 2022 to 1,106 in 2023. That drop still leaves pedestrian deaths among the largest categories of traffic fatalities in the state, and it shows how much the yearly count can shift even without a change in state law or road design.
Hit-and-run cases add another layer to these numbers. When a driver leaves the scene, investigators lose early access to the vehicle and the account of what happened, which can slow down or limit what police are able to confirm. Many hit-and-run cases are resolved only after tips from the public or nearby surveillance footage.
Night and early morning hours, like the time of this crash, show up often in pedestrian fatality data. Reduced visibility plays a role, but so does traffic volume and road design at the specific crossing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does vehicle speed affect a pedestrian's chance of survival?
Higher speeds increase both the chance of a crash and the severity of injury if one occurs. Pedestrians struck by vehicles traveling at higher speeds face a much greater risk of death, which is part of why lower speed limits are common near crosswalks and school zones.
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
A large share occur at or near intersections, where paths of vehicles and pedestrians cross directly. Crashes also cluster on arterial roads with multiple lanes and limited lighting.
Are pedestrian crashes more common at night?
Yes. A majority of pedestrian fatalities nationally occur after dark, when drivers have less time to see and react to someone crossing the street.
What should a pedestrian do immediately after being hit by a car?
If possible, call 911 right away and stay as still as safe to avoid worsening an injury. Try to note details about the vehicle, and seek a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms appear later.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in El Cajon, CA
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash in El Cajon should call 911 immediately so police and paramedics can respond. Getting checked by a medical professional afterward matters even for people who feel fine at first, since injuries like internal bleeding or concussions are not always obvious right away.
If you saw the crash or have information about the vehicle involved, contacting the El Cajon Police Department can help move the investigation forward. Keeping notes on what you saw, including the time and any details about the direction a vehicle traveled, can be useful to investigators even days later.
