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Phoenix, AZ (July 29, 2026) – A man was left in extremely critical condition after being struck by a blue SUV while crossing mid-block near 7th Avenue and Roosevelt Street early on Wednesday, according to the Phoenix Police Department. He was hit around 2:45 a.m., and the driver did not stay at the scene.
The man was taken to the hospital. The search for the driver remains ongoing.
We hope the man survives his injuries.
Why Are Mid-Block Crossings Riskier Than Crosswalks?
Drivers generally expect pedestrians at marked crosswalks and intersections, where their attention is already focused. Crossing mid-block removes that expectation, meaning a driver may not be watching for someone stepping into the road at that particular point.
Lighting is another factor, especially overnight. Crosswalks are placed near streetlights or other visual cues, while a mid-block crossing may sit in a darker stretch where a person is harder to see until a vehicle is very close.
Because a mid-block crossing lacks the signals or markings of a crosswalk, there’s also less structure guiding when it’s safe to cross. Pedestrians are generally encouraged to use a marked crossing whenever one is reasonably nearby, since it gives both parties more time to see each other and react.
