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San Martin, CA (September 14, 2026) – A man died early on Sunday morning, September 13, after being struck by a vehicle on West San Martin Avenue near Colony Avenue, according to authorities. The crash prompted a hard road closure in the area for several hours.
The California Highway Patrol received a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian collision shortly before 3 a.m., authorities said. A caller reportedly told dispatchers a vehicle was stopped facing the wrong way on the roadway, and a man was down on the ground nearby.
Santa Clara County sheriff's deputies responded to assist, with the CHP requesting a coroner's unit at the scene, according to dispatch logs. Officials shut down West San Martin Avenue at Colony Avenue and again at Harding Avenue to allow an investigation, closing the roadway to through traffic early on Sunday.
The identity of the man has not been released. Details about the driver, the vehicle involved, and what led up to the crash remain under investigation. Authorities have not said whether any charges are anticipated.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
Why Pedestrian Crashes Cluster on Rural Arterial Roads Like San Martin Avenue
Roads like West San Martin Avenue are built to move cars efficiently between towns, not to accommodate people on foot. Many stretches have no sidewalks, no marked crosswalks, and minimal lighting, so a pedestrian walking along the shoulder or crossing to reach a driveway or a parked vehicle relies entirely on being seen by an approaching driver. At night, that margin narrows fast.
These roads often carry higher speed limits than residential streets, which means drivers have less time to react, and pedestrians take a harder hit if they are struck. Rural arterials also see less consistent enforcement and fewer pedestrian-specific safety features, such as refuge islands or flashing beacons, so foot and vehicle traffic end up sharing the same space with little separation.
Alcohol, fatigue, and darkness are common factors in early-morning pedestrian crashes on these types of roads, though investigators typically need time to confirm what role, if any, they played in a specific case. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities decreased from 1,213 in 2022 to 1,106 in 2023, though rural corridors without sidewalks continue to see recurring incidents tied to the same basic conditions: limited visibility and no dedicated space for people walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are most common in pedestrian crashes?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries, since there is no structure protecting them the way a car does for its occupants. Severity typically depends on the vehicle's speed at impact.
What usually causes these crashes?
Common factors include driver inattention, poor lighting, speeding, and roads that lack sidewalks or crosswalks. Alcohol or fatigue on the part of the driver or pedestrian can also play a role.
Does vehicle speed matter for survival?
Yes. Pedestrians hit at lower speeds have a much better chance of survival than those hit at higher speeds, since the force of impact increases sharply as speed rises.
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
They are common on both high-speed rural roads without sidewalks and urban streets at intersections, particularly where lighting is poor or crosswalks are unmarked.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in San Martin, California
If you witness or are involved in a pedestrian crash, call 911 immediately and avoid moving anyone who is injured unless there is immediate danger. Even if injuries seem minor at first, a medical evaluation is important, since some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, are not obvious right away.
Try to note details while they are fresh, including lighting conditions, weather, and where exactly the crash happened. If you're a driver involved in the crash, remain at the scene and cooperate with responding officers. Local hospitals and the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office can provide guidance on reporting requirements and next steps for anyone affected.
