PLEASANTON, Atascosa County, Texas, Oct. 1, 2026 — A 52-year-old man was seriously injured on Tuesday morning, September 29, when a vehicle struck him on the southbound Interstate 37 near Pleasanton and fled the scene, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The crash happened around 9 a.m. near mile marker 102, just south of Pleasanton. The man was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center with serious injuries.
Southbound I-37 was closed for several hours following the crash. Drivers were detoured at Spur 199 and could rejoin the main lanes at Farm-to-Market Road 541.
Investigators said dash camera footage recovered from the scene shows the vehicle may be a newer-model white Dodge utility van with damage to its passenger-side mirror. The driver had not been located as of Tuesday, and the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information has been asked to contact DPS at 210-531-2280.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Where Pedestrian Crashes on Highways Like I-37 Tend to Happen
Pedestrian crashes on interstates and other high-speed corridors cluster in a few predictable settings: stretches near interchanges, shoulders where disabled vehicles sit, and rural segments where a walker is far less visible to a driver moving at highway speed. Unlike city streets, these roads have no crosswalks or signals designed to protect pedestrians, and drivers often don't anticipate a pedestrian at all.
Rural interstate segments add another layer of risk. Lighting is sparse, shoulders are narrow or absent, and traffic volume is high enough that a driver has little time to react once a person comes into view. A stopped vehicle, a breakdown, or someone crossing to reach an exit ramp can all put a pedestrian in the path of fast-moving traffic with almost no warning.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 84 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas in 2023, but the rural and highway-adjacent crashes that do happen tend to involve higher speeds and more severe injuries once a collision occurs. That combination, high speed and low visibility, is what makes interstate shoulders and ramps a recurring setting for these crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most pedestrian accidents happen?
Most occur in urban areas, often at intersections or mid-block crossings, but highway shoulders and ramps produce fewer crashes, though they are especially severe due to higher travel speeds.
Are pedestrian accidents more common at night?
Yes. Reduced visibility after dark is a major factor, and drivers have less time to spot and react to someone on foot, especially outside lit areas.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
Call 911 immediately if possible, move to a safe location away from traffic if able, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may not appear immediately.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but drivers and walkers both carry a duty to watch for each other, particularly where visibility is limited.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Pleasanton, TX
If you or someone you know is involved in a pedestrian crash near Pleasanton, get medical care right away, even for injuries that don't seem severe at first. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries, especially head and internal injuries, take time to show symptoms.
Report the crash to local police or the Texas Department of Public Safety so there's an official record. If you saw the incident or have any information, such as a vehicle description or dashcam footage, share it with investigators promptly. These details often make the difference in identifying a driver who left the scene.
Lean on family, friends, or local support resources while recovering. A serious injury affects daily life in ways that take time to work through, and having people around you helps.
