PENFIELD, Monroe County, N.Y., Sept. 25, 2026 — Two women suffered serious injuries Wednesday afternoon, September 23, when a driver struck them as they crossed Bay Road near Terrel Drive, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said. One woman has life-threatening injuries and the other was reported stable.
Deputies said the crash happened around 3 p.m. as the women were crossing Bay Road heading east and were hit by a northbound SUV. "Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a motorist heading north struck two pedestrians as they were crossing the street," Sergeant Brendan Hurley said, according to the sheriff's office.
The driver was detained at the scene but had not been arrested as of Wednesday evening, deputies said. A field sobriety test was reportedly conducted at the scene, and investigators are working to determine whether the crash involved criminal conduct. On Thursday, September 24, deputies released the driver's name and announced charges, according to the sheriff's office.
Bay Road was closed for several hours and reopened by about 7:41 p.m. Wednesday, the sheriff's office said. The Major Crimes unit responded to process the scene, Hurley said, adding that investigators were working to determine what led to the crash. The names of the two women have not been released.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased victims.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
What Do the Numbers Say About Drunk Driving and Pedestrian Deaths
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality occurred every 42 minutes on average in 2023. That works out to roughly 34 deaths a day nationwide tied to drivers who had been drinking, a steady toll that includes pedestrians hit while crossing streets and parking lots.
Pedestrians make up a notable share of that total because they have no vehicle frame or airbags to absorb an impact. A driver whose reaction time and judgment are slowed by alcohol is less likely to see someone in a crosswalk or slow down in time, which is part of why impaired-driving crashes involving pedestrians tend to end in more severe injuries than impaired crashes between two vehicles.
Local crashes like the one on Bay Road become part of that larger federal count once law enforcement finishes its investigation and toxicology results, if any, are confirmed. That is one reason agencies are often careful to call a suspected impairment case "under investigation" until testing and charges are finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pedestrian crashes more likely to happen at certain times of day?
National data shows a higher share of pedestrian deaths occur after dark, when visibility is lower and drivers have less time to react, though daytime crashes like this one still happen regularly in busy commercial areas.
What should a pedestrian do immediately after being hit by a vehicle?
Call 911 or have someone nearby call, avoid moving unless staying in place is unsafe, and get a full medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some injuries do not show symptoms right away.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In most states, including New York, pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk generally have the right of way, but both drivers and pedestrians are expected to use caution and yield when needed to avoid a collision.
What can drivers do to watch for pedestrians more effectively?
Slowing down near crosswalks and driveways, scanning both sides of the road before turning, and avoiding distractions like phones can help a driver spot someone crossing in time to stop.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Penfield, NY
Anyone involved in or witnessing a pedestrian crash in Penfield should call 911 right away so paramedics and deputies can respond. Even if injuries seem mild at first, a medical evaluation is important, since shock can mask pain from internal injuries or fractures.
Witnesses should stay at the scene if it's safe to do so and share what they saw with responding deputies, since eyewitness accounts often matter in pedestrian investigations. If you were a bystander, jotting down what you remember (locations, timing, vehicle direction) soon afterward can help while details are still fresh.
Following up with the sheriff's office for a copy of the official crash report is also a practical step for anyone affected, whether for insurance purposes or personal records.
