STRATHMORE, Tulare County, Calif., Sept. 30, 2026 — A pedestrian was struck by a car Tuesday morning, September 29, on Orange Belt Drive near Avenue 184, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash was reported just north of the intersection in Strathmore.
The CHP said the call came in shortly after 10:20 a.m. as a vehicle versus pedestrian collision. A gray Kia Forte was reportedly involved.
Within a minute of the initial report, the pedestrian was described in dispatch records as a traffic hazard in the roadway, an indication that the person remained in the lane of travel after being hit.
The California Highway Patrol has not said what led up to the crash, and the investigation is ongoing. We wish those injured a full recovery.
Pedestrian Crash Data and What It Shows
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities decreased from 1,213 in 2022 to 1,106 in 2023. That drop of roughly 9% suggests that statewide efforts on street design, enforcement and awareness campaigns are having some measurable effect, even as pedestrian deaths remain far above pre-pandemic levels in many California counties.
The numbers also show how much year-to-year variation exists in pedestrian crash outcomes. A single county's trend can move in either direction independent of the statewide figure, shaped by local factors like road width, speed limits and how often people walk along rural highways and county roads rather than in cities with sidewalks and marked crossings.
Rural stretches like those common in the Central Valley often lack dedicated pedestrian infrastructure. Where shoulders are narrow or nonexistent, a pedestrian walking near a rural roadway has fewer places to go if a vehicle drifts, and drivers have less time to react.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pedestrian accidents more common at night?
Nationally, a large share of pedestrian deaths happen after dark, largely because of reduced visibility. However, crashes during daylight hours are common on rural roads and at intersections, particularly where drivers aren't expecting foot traffic.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
If possible, move out of the roadway to avoid further danger and call 911. Seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some, like internal injuries or concussions, aren't immediately obvious.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In California, pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Drivers are required to yield, but pedestrians should still make eye contact with drivers and confirm a vehicle is stopping before stepping into the road.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Strathmore, CA
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 right away so emergency responders can reach the scene quickly. Staying out of traffic while waiting for help, if it's safe to do so, can prevent a second collision.
Pedestrians and any witnesses should get medical attention even if injuries seem minor at first, since shock can mask pain or symptoms. Getting the names of responding agencies and any report or incident number can help later on if questions come up about what happened.
Strathmore residents can also report unsafe roadway conditions, like poor lighting or missing crosswalks, to Tulare County so that hazards get addressed before another crash happens.
