Available 
Available 
RANCHO BERNARDO, San Diego County, Calif., Oct. 3, 2026 — A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle early on Friday morning, October 2, at the bottom of the I-15 South off-ramp at Rancho Bernardo Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. The pedestrian was reportedly hurt in the collision.
The crash occurred at 5:27 a.m., describing it as a gray Ford Explorer and a pedestrian at the bottom of the off-ramp. The incident was still listed as an active traffic collision response at the time it was reported.
Responders were dispatched to the scene at the interchange of I-15 South and Rancho Bernardo Road, an area where the freeway off-ramp meets surface streets. The extent of the pedestrian's injuries has not been released.
It is not yet known what led up to the crash. The CHP has not said whether the driver remained at the scene or whether any citations are expected. This report will be updated if the agency releases more information.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
When Pedestrian Crashes Are Most Likely Before Sunrise
Early morning hours, particularly the stretch before and around sunrise, carry some of the same risks as nighttime driving. Streetlights and headlights are usually the only light source, and drivers' eyes haven't fully adjusted after waking up or finishing an overnight shift. A person walking near a freeway ramp or roadway shoulder in low light can be hard to see until a vehicle is very close.
Traffic patterns shift at this hour too. Commuters merging onto or off freeways are usually moving at higher speeds and focused on traffic flow rather than watching for someone on foot near an off-ramp. Fatigue plays a role as well, both for overnight workers heading home and for early risers starting their commute before they're fully alert.
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, early morning and after-dark hours continue to show up in crash data, largely because visibility and driver alertness both drop at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks once they've entered the roadway, but drivers and pedestrians both share responsibility for watching traffic signals and checking for oncoming vehicles before crossing.
How can drivers reduce the risk of hitting a pedestrian?
Slowing down near ramps, intersections, and low-light areas, scanning the roadway edges, and avoiding distractions all help drivers spot pedestrians sooner, especially in early morning or evening hours when visibility is limited.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles usually suffer broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries, since they have no protection compared to someone inside a vehicle.
What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Low visibility, driver distraction, speeding, and failure to yield at crosswalks or ramps are frequently cited factors in pedestrian crashes.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Rancho Bernardo, CA
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately so medical help can reach the scene quickly. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries like internal bleeding or concussions aren't immediately obvious.
If you're able, note details like the time, location, and any vehicles or witnesses involved, and wait for law enforcement to arrive and file a report. Rancho Bernardo's mix of freeway ramps and local roads means visibility and traffic speed can change quickly, so staying alert and cautious near these areas, whether walking or driving, matters at any hour.
