San Jose, CA (March 14, 2026) – A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 280 in San Jose. The crash occurred around 10:20 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, near the 10th Street off-ramp of southbound I-280. Authorities said the man was walking onto the lanes of the freeway against traffic when he was hit.
Emergency units arrived and found the pedestrian unresponsive in the far-right lane. Medics attempted treatment on the scene, but the man was pronounced dead.
Officials reported the driver who struck the pedestrian fled the scene. The crash is being investigated as a hit-and-run. No further information about the driver or vehicle has been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Why Freeway Pedestrian Strikes Are Often Fatal
Pedestrians on highways are at extremely high risk because vehicles travel at much higher speeds than on city streets. The force of impact increases with speed, making injuries often severe or fatal.
Visibility and reaction time play key roles in these incidents. Drivers may have little time to avoid a pedestrian, especially at night or in poorly lit areas.
Investigators often review traffic camera footage, vehicle damage, and skid marks to reconstruct how a pedestrian entered the roadway and the sequence of the collision. Understanding these factors helps explain why freeway pedestrian crashes are typically deadly.
