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GILBERT, Maricopa County, Ariz., Oct. 9, 2026 — A pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries Wednesday morning, October 7, after being hit by a vehicle on North Colorado Street in Gilbert. Police said the crash happened between San Angelo Street and Guadalupe Road shortly before 10:30 a.m.
The pedestrian was reportedly struck by a vehicle believed to be a white Volkswagen SUV. The person was taken to a hospital with injuries described as life-threatening.
The driver remained at the scene and was later taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Investigators closed North Colorado Street between San Angelo Street and Guadalupe Road while they worked the scene.
The circumstances that led to the crash remain under investigation. We wish the injured a speedy recovery.
What the Numbers Show About Pedestrian Deaths
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. That figure represents thousands of individual incidents much like the one on North Colorado Street, where a person on foot has little protection in a collision with a vehicle of any size.
The data reflects a pattern seen across cities of all sizes: pedestrian crashes cluster on arterial and collector roads, the kind with multiple lanes, moderate to high speeds, and long blocks between marked crossings. Streets like these carry heavier traffic volumes than neighborhood roads, which raises the odds that a pedestrian crossing outside a signal or crosswalk will be in a vehicle's path.
Severity in these crashes tends to track vehicle speed closely. A pedestrian struck at lower speeds is far more likely to survive than one struck at higher speeds, which is part of why so many pedestrian deaths and critical injuries happen on roads built for faster travel rather than on residential streets.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 pedestrians both carry a duty to watch for each other, especially where signals or stop signs are present.
What can drivers do to avoid hitting a pedestrian?
Slowing down near intersections and driveways, scanning sidewalks and medians before turning, and avoiding distractions all reduce the chance of a pedestrian collision, particularly in areas with limited lighting or visibility.
What injuries commonly result from pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer broken bones, head and spinal injuries, and internal trauma. Severity usually depends on vehicle speed and the point of impact.
What usually causes pedestrian accidents?
Common factors include driver distraction, failure to yield at crossings, speeding, poor visibility at night, and pedestrians crossing outside designated crosswalks.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Gilbert, AZ
Anyone involved in or witnessing a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately so emergency responders can reach the scene quickly. Even if injuries seem minor at first, a medical evaluation is important, since some injuries, particularly head and internal injuries, are not immediately obvious.
If you're a witness, stay at the scene until police arrive and share what you saw. Photos of the scene, vehicle positions, and any skid marks can help investigators piece together what happened. For those involved, keeping a record of hospital visits, treatment, and any communication with insurance companies can help later if questions about the crash arise.
