San Diego, CA (March 11, 2026) – A man suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by a school bus on Tuesday morning, March 10, in the Rancho Peñasquitos area of San Diego.
Emergency units responded around 8:30 a.m. to the intersection of Paseo Montalban and Via Cima Bella after reports of a pedestrian crash. Responders located 69-year-old Rene Steiner, who had been walking his dogs when he was hit by a school bus operated by a Poway Unified School District driver.
Officials said the bus was driven by a 76-year-old man and had no students on board at the time of the incident. A nearby officer began lifesaving efforts until paramedics arrived and took Steiner to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla for treatment.
Authorities reported that Steiner suffered severe injuries, including a skull fracture, multiple rib fractures, and internal chest injuries. His dogs and the bus driver were not hurt.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash. We are thinking of the injured man as he receives medical care.
Pedestrian Safety in Residential Neighborhoods
Residential streets often appear calm, but they still carry daily vehicle traffic, including buses and service vehicles. Pedestrians walking along or crossing neighborhood roads can face risks when drivers and pedestrians approach intersections simultaneously.
School buses frequently travel through residential communities during morning hours, even when students are not on board. Their large size can affect stopping distance and visibility, especially on streets with curves, parked cars, or limited sightlines.
Intersections in neighborhoods often rely on driver attention and clear right-of-way awareness. Careful driving and caution when approaching pedestrians can help reduce the likelihood of serious crashes in these shared spaces.
