Kearns, UT (March 5, 2026) – A 66-year-old man was critically injured on Thursday evening after being struck by a pickup truck while attempting to cross a roadway in Kearns.
According to the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake, the crash occurred just before 8:00 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of 5415 South near 4600 West.
Preliminary information indicates that the pedestrian was attempting to cross the roadway when a white pickup truck traveling eastbound struck him. The impact left the man with severe injuries.
Authorities reported that the driver of the pickup remained at the scene following the crash and immediately began performing CPR on the injured pedestrian until emergency responders arrived.
Paramedics transported the 66-year-old man to a nearby hospital in critical condition for further medical treatment.
Officials have not released the identity of the victim, and investigators continue working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
We extend our thoughts to those involved and hope for a full recovery for the injured pedestrian.
What Risks Do Pedestrians Face When Crossing Multi-Lane Roadways?
Pedestrians attempting to cross multi-lane roads often face heightened risks due to the volume and speed of passing traffic. On wider roadways, vehicles may travel in several lanes simultaneously, increasing the chances that a pedestrian may encounter traffic from multiple directions at once.
Drivers on arterial roads may also have limited reaction time if a pedestrian unexpectedly enters the roadway. Reduced visibility during evening hours can further complicate these situations, especially when lighting conditions or surrounding infrastructure make pedestrians harder to see.
Even when drivers respond quickly, the physical vulnerability of pedestrians means that collisions with vehicles can result in severe or life-threatening injuries. Because pedestrians lack the structural protection provided by vehicles, the force of an impact is often absorbed directly by the body.
Investigators reviewing pedestrian collisions typically analyze roadway lighting, visibility conditions, vehicle speed, pedestrian crossing behavior, and driver response. These factors help determine how the crash occurred and whether any additional safety measures may help prevent similar incidents in the future.
