Available 
KENNEWICK, Benton County, Wash., Oct. 9, 2026 — A man was hit by a minivan on Thursday morning, October 8, while crossing South Ely Street at West 27th Avenue. He was reportedly conscious but hurt and was still in the roadway when first responders arrived.
Dispatchers reportedly confirmed a vehicle versus pedestrian crash blocking the intersection shortly before 7:46 a.m. The pedestrian was struck by a white minivan while walking across the road. Responders found him with apparent minor injuries, conscious and lying in the street.
The minivan's driver stayed at the scene while the area was secured, according to the report. All eastbound lanes at the intersection were blocked for a time as crews worked the crash.
No further details on the pedestrian's condition or the circumstances of the crash have been released. The incident remains under review.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
What Actually Cuts Down Pedestrian Crashes in Kennewick
Survival in a pedestrian crash usually comes down to speed. A person struck at 20 mph has a far better chance of walking away than one struck at 40 mph, because the force of impact rises sharply as speed increases. That single variable is why many cities now treat speed control, not driver awareness alone, as the main lever for saving lives at crossings.
Engineering changes have shown real results. Raised crosswalks, narrower travel lanes, better street lighting, and roundabouts that force vehicles to slow down all reduce both the number of crashes and their severity when they do happen. Signal timing that gives pedestrians a head start before vehicles get a green light, sometimes called a leading pedestrian interval, has cut crossing crashes in cities that have adopted it.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. Many of those deaths occurred at or near intersections, which is where engineers increasingly focus redesign efforts rather than relying only on paint and signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
A large share occur at or near intersections, though many also happen mid-block where crossings are unmarked, or lighting is poor.
Are pedestrian crashes more common at night?
Yes. Reduced visibility plays a major role, and a disproportionate number of pedestrian deaths nationally occur after dark.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
Stay still if injured and call 911 or ask a bystander to call. Get checked by medical personnel even if injuries seem minor, since some, like internal injuries or concussions, aren't immediately obvious.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way at marked and unmarked crosswalks, but drivers and walkers both share responsibility for watching traffic signals and surrounding conditions.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Kennewick, WA
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately so medical help can reach the scene quickly. If you're the pedestrian and able to do so, try to stay calm and avoid moving if you suspect a broken bone or head injury.
It helps to get the names and contact information of any witnesses, since their accounts can matter later. A full medical evaluation is worth getting even when injuries feel minor at first, because adrenaline can mask pain in the hours after a crash. Keeping records of any treatment and follow-up care can also make things easier down the road.
