RENO, Washoe County, NV, Sept. 24, 2026 — A man died Wednesday evening, September 23, after an SUV struck him on Casazza Drive in Reno. The Reno Police Department said he was crossing outside a crosswalk when he was hit.
Officers, Reno firefighters and REMSA medics were called to Casazza Drive near Wells Avenue at about 6:31 p.m. Wednesday, according to police. The man was reportedly crossing the road when a westbound SUV struck him. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and his name has not been released.
The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators, police said. Officers said speed and impairment do not appear to have been factors in the crash, though the investigation is ongoing.
Casazza Drive was closed for a time while crews worked the scene and has since reopened. The Reno Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Team is handling the investigation.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
Why Pedestrian Crashes on Roads Like Casazza Drive Turn Deadly So Quickly
Arterial roads built to move cars efficiently carry few marked crosswalks over long stretches, so pedestrians end up crossing wherever a gap in traffic appears. Those crossing points aren't fixed or protected, which means drivers have little warning and pedestrians have little separation from moving vehicles at speeds meant for through traffic, not for a shared corridor.
The mismatch in weight and structure is what makes these collisions so damaging. A pedestrian has no metal frame, no crumple zone and nothing absorbing the impact. Even a vehicle traveling at a routine city speed delivers enough force to cause fatal injury, because there is no equivalent of a seatbelt or airbag for someone on foot.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 84 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas in 2023. Streets designed primarily for vehicle flow, rather than for pedestrian crossings, are where these conflict points repeat the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections, but drivers and pedestrians both carry a duty to watch for each other, especially where no signal or crosswalk is present.
How can drivers reduce the risk of hitting a pedestrian?
Slowing down near intersections, scanning both sides of the road at night, and avoiding distractions give drivers more time to react if someone steps into the road unexpectedly.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian accidents?
Head trauma, broken bones and internal injuries are typical, since pedestrians absorb the force of a collision directly rather than through a vehicle's structure.
What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Crossing outside marked crosswalks, poor visibility at night, driver inattention and roads without adequate crossing points are frequently cited factors.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Reno, NV
Anyone involved in or witnessing a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately so medical help can respond. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation afterward can catch issues that aren't obvious right away.
Staying at the scene, exchanging information and cooperating with responding officers helps ensure an accurate report. If you're a witness, sharing what you saw with police can support the investigation. Reno residents can also contact the Reno Police Department for updates on cases handled by its Major Accident Investigation Team.
