Maricopa, AZ (July 22, 2026) – A man died early on Tuesday, July 21, after being struck by a vehicle while crossing northbound SR 347 near Old Maricopa Road, according to Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers. The wreck was reported around 4 a.m.
Emergency crews pronounced him dead at the scene. He had not been identified as of this report. A pickup truck with damage to its right headlight was seen parked along the shoulder.
SR 347 was closed in both directions for several hours, causing a lengthy backup during the early morning rush, before reopening around 8 a.m. The cause remains under investigation.
Our condolences go out to the man’s family and loved ones.
Why Are Pedestrian Crashes More Likely Before Dawn?
Visibility drops sharply in the hours before sunrise, especially on highways where lighting can be limited between exits. Drivers may have less time to notice a person on foot, particularly if that person is wearing dark clothing or crossing outside a marked area.
Fatigue also becomes a bigger factor overnight, affecting both drivers and pedestrians. Reaction times can slow down during these hours, whether someone has been driving for a long stretch or is walking along an unfamiliar road in the dark.
Highways present an added challenge because they aren’t designed with pedestrian crossings in mind. Unlike city streets, they lack sidewalks, crosswalks, or lower speed limits, meaning a person on foot has less protection and drivers have less reason to expect someone crossing. Because of these factors, safety officials recommend that pedestrians use frontage roads or designated footpaths rather than highway shoulders.
