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PHOENIX, Maricopa County, Ariz., Sept. 23, 2026 — A pedestrian suffered serious injuries early on Wednesday morning, September 23, in a crash near 27th Avenue and Indian School Road in Phoenix, according to city police.
The Phoenix Police Officers were called to the intersection just before 5:30 a.m. after reports of a vehicle striking a pedestrian. Arriving officers found a person with serious injuries, and emergency crews took the victim to a hospital.
The vehicle involved in the crash stayed at the scene. Officers closed the intersection while they worked the scene.
The department said the investigation into the crash remains active. No further details, including the pedestrian's condition or possible contributing factors, have been released.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
What the Numbers Show About Pedestrian Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 77 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark in 2023. That figure reflects a pattern seen across the country: pedestrians struck outside daylight hours face far worse odds of survival than those hit in daytime traffic, largely because drivers have less time to see them and react.
Low light is not the only factor tied to pedestrian crash severity. Speed at the point of impact plays a major role in whether injuries are survivable, and intersections with limited lighting or visibility tend to see a larger share of these crashes than well-lit corridors.
Early morning hours before sunrise carry some of the same risks as nighttime, since visibility remains low even as traffic starts to pick up. That overlap between reduced light and rising vehicle volume is a recurring theme in pedestrian crash data nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does vehicle speed affect a pedestrian's chance of survival?
Higher impact speeds sharply reduce survival odds. Even modest increases in speed can turn a survivable injury into a fatal one because the force transferred to a pedestrian's body rises rapidly with speed.
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
Many occur at or near intersections, though a significant number also happen when pedestrians cross outside marked crosswalks. Roads with higher speed limits and less lighting tend to see more severe outcomes.
Are pedestrian crashes more common at night?
Yes. National data consistently shows that a large majority of pedestrian deaths happen in dark conditions, which is why visibility and lighting are frequent points of concern in these investigations.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a vehicle?
Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor at first, since some injuries are not immediately obvious. It's also important to get the names of any officers who respond and note the location and time of the crash for the record.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Phoenix, AZ
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately so medical help can reach the scene quickly. Even injuries that seem minor at first can turn out to be more serious, so a full medical evaluation is worth getting as soon as possible.
If you're able, stay at the scene until officers arrive and can document what happened. Take note of details like weather, lighting, and traffic conditions if it's safe to do so, since these can matter later in an investigation.
Follow up with the police department handling the case for updates on the report once it's available. For residents in Phoenix, staying informed about traffic safety in your neighborhood can also help identify intersections that may need better lighting or signage over time.
