San Jose, CA (March 6, 2026) – A 63-year-old woman from San Jose lost her life after being struck by a vehicle early on Friday, March 6, on an offramp from northbound I-680 at Alum Rock Ave in San Jose, located in Santa Clara County.
Emergency units responded to the scene around 12:29 a.m. after reports of a pedestrian crash on the offramp leading to Alum Rock Ave. When responders arrived, they found the woman on the roadway with severe injuries believed to have resulted from being hit by a vehicle.
The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, but was later pronounced dead. Officials reported that the driver involved left the scene, and the incident is being treated as a hit-and-run.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of 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 Pedestrian Crashes Sometimes Occur Near Highway Offramps
Highway off-ramps can present unique risks for pedestrians because vehicles are often transitioning from high-speed travel to city streets. Drivers exiting highways may focus on merging traffic or signal changes, which can reduce reaction time if someone is on the roadway.
Lighting conditions during overnight hours can also affect visibility. Areas near ramps often have less lighting than city intersections, making it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians until they are very close.
Road design can also influence safety in these locations. Wide turning lanes, merging traffic, and limited pedestrian pathways can increase the risk of conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians. These factors are often reviewed to better understand how pedestrian crashes occur near freeway exits.