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NATIONAL CITY, San Diego County, Calif., Sept. 14, 2026 — A pedestrian was injured on Saturday afternoon, September 12, in a crash on eastbound State Route 54 near Broadway, according to authorities. The pedestrian was reportedly trying to cross the freeway lanes when a Jeep of unknown color struck them.
The dispatch logs state that the collision was reported shortly after 2 p.m. near the eastbound SR-54 offramp in National City. The pedestrian was found lying in the right lane after being hit, according to authorities present at the scene.
Emergency crews responded and requested a medical helicopter to the scene, as dispatch records show. Traffic authorities also noted a hazard in the roadway tied to the incident.
The extent of the pedestrian's injuries has not been released. The circumstances that led the pedestrian to be on the freeway remain under investigation, and no information about the driver has been made public.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Who Faces the Greatest Danger When Crossing Freeways on Foot
People struck while crossing a freeway or highway face a different set of risks than pedestrians hit on city streets. Vehicle speeds are higher, drivers have less time to react, and there is often no crosswalk or signal where a person on foot might appear. Anyone walking along or across a freeway, whether after a breakdown, an emergency, or another reason, is exposed to traffic moving far faster than on a typical road.
Older pedestrians and those with mobility limitations face an added risk in these situations because crossing multiple lanes of high-speed traffic takes longer than many drivers expect. Pedestrians on foot after dark are also harder for drivers to see, particularly on freeways where lighting can be limited, and drivers are not anticipating anyone in the roadway.
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, freeway and highway crossings remain among the most hazardous places for pedestrians, given the speeds involved and the limited reaction time for drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a vehicle's speed affect a pedestrian's chances of survival?
Higher speeds mean less time for a driver to stop or swerve and greater force at impact. Survival rates for pedestrians drop sharply as vehicle speed increases, which is part of why crashes on freeways tend to be more severe than those on lower-speed streets.
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
Many occur at intersections or midblock crossings in urban areas, but crashes involving pedestrians on freeways or highway shoulders, though less common, tend to be more severe because of higher traffic speeds.
Are pedestrian crashes more common after dark?
Yes. A large share of pedestrian deaths nationally occur at night, when visibility is lower, and drivers have less time to notice someone in or near the roadway.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a vehicle?
If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic, call 911, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries, including head trauma, are not immediately obvious.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in National City, CA
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 right away and wait for emergency responders if it is safe to do so. Getting checked by a medical professional afterward matters even when injuries seem mild at first, since some effects take hours to appear.
It also helps to note what was seen and, if possible, get contact information for any other witnesses. Authorities investigating incidents like this one in National City often rely on witness accounts and any available traffic camera footage to piece together what happened. Following up with the responding agency for updates on the investigation can also provide clarity in the days after a crash.
