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HAYWARD, Alameda County, Calif., Sept. 18, 2026 — A 73-year-old woman died on Thursday morning, September 17, after a driver struck her near the intersection of Kelly Street and Bayview Avenue in Hayward, authorities said.
The sheriff's office and Hayward police responded just before 11 a.m. to a report of a vehicle striking a pedestrian in the northeast part of the city near Fairview, according to authorities. Medical personnel took the woman to a nearby hospital, where she died, police said.
Her name has not been released. Authorities said it is being withheld pending notification of her family and formal identification by the Alameda County Coroner's Office.
The driver, a 48-year-old Hayward resident, remained at the scene and cooperated with officers, according to police. His identity has not been made public. Investigators said drugs or alcohol are not believed to have been a factor in the crash, though the collision remains under investigation.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Who Is Most Exposed When Pedestrians Are Hit in Hayward
Older adults face a higher risk of dying when they are struck by a vehicle than younger pedestrians do. Age affects how well the body absorbs an impact, and recovery from broken bones or head injuries tends to take longer and carries more complications later in life.
Pedestrians crossing at or near intersections are common victims of these crashes, whether or not a marked crosswalk is present. Visibility plays a large role: low light, glare, and parked cars or landscaping that block a driver's view all raise the chance a person on foot won't be seen in time.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities decreased from 1,213 in 2022 to 1,106 in 2023. Even with that decline, older pedestrians continue to make up a large share of those deaths statewide, reflecting how much harder a crash is to survive later in life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes pedestrian crashes like this one?
Common factors include drivers failing to yield at intersections, limited visibility, distracted driving, and pedestrians crossing outside marked crossing points. Investigators typically review all of these before determining a cause.
Does the speed of the vehicle matter to survival?
Yes. Even modest increases in vehicle speed sharply reduce a pedestrian's chance of surviving an impact, which is why speed limits near intersections and residential areas are treated as a safety factor.
Are pedestrian crashes more likely after dark?
A large share of pedestrian deaths happen at night or in low light, when drivers have less time to see and react to someone crossing the street.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Hayward, CA
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately, so paramedics and police can respond. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting a medical evaluation, since some injuries, especially to the head or joints, aren't obvious right away.
If you're a witness, staying at the scene to speak with responding officers can help investigators piece together what happened. Photos of the intersection, vehicle positions, and any relevant signage or lighting conditions can also be useful once an official report is filed. Following up with the police department for a copy of that report is a reasonable next step for anyone affected.
