WATERVLIET, Berrien County, Mich., Oct. 9, 2026 — A man died early Wednesday morning, October 7, after being struck by a vehicle on westbound I-94 near Watervliet, the Berrien County Sheriff's Office said.
The man was reportedly standing in the westbound lane near the Watervliet exit around 2 a.m. when a passing car hit him. He was wearing all black at the time. The driver, described as a Texas resident who was reportedly on the way home, stopped at the scene and notified authorities that someone had been struck.
First responders found the man on the side of the road near the vehicle involved. He was pronounced dead at the scene, deputies said.
Authorities have not released the man's identity. Investigators have not said why he was in the roadway. The sheriff's office said alcohol and speed do not appear to have played a role in the crash. State police, Watervliet city police and the North Berrien Fire Department also responded.
The case remains under investigation.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
When Pedestrian Crashes on Highways Happen Most Commonly
Nighttime hours bring the conditions that make highway pedestrian crashes more likely. Headlights illuminate only a narrow stretch of road ahead, and a person standing or walking along the shoulder, especially in dark clothing, can be nearly invisible until a vehicle is almost on top of them. Drivers also tend to be more fatigued late at night and into the early morning, which slows reaction time even when speed and alcohol are not factors.
Interstates and other high-speed roads add another layer of risk because traffic moves fast and drivers do not expect to encounter someone on foot. A pedestrian on a highway shoulder or travel lane, whatever the reason, is in a spot vehicles are not built to anticipate.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. Weekend and overnight hours consistently show higher pedestrian fatality counts than weekday daytime hours, a pattern tied to both reduced visibility and the mix of traffic on the road at those times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes pedestrian accidents?
Common factors include low visibility, driver distraction or fatigue, a pedestrian in a roadway not meant for foot traffic, and speed. Weather and road design also play a role.
Does vehicle speed affect whether a pedestrian survives?
Yes. Survival odds drop sharply as vehicle speed increases, because higher speeds mean less time for a driver to react and more force at the moment of impact.
Where do most pedestrian accidents occur?
Many happen on roads without sidewalks or safe crossing points, including highways and arterial roads where vehicles travel at higher speeds.
Are pedestrian accidents more common after dark?
Yes. A majority of pedestrian fatalities occur at night, when visibility is lower, and drivers have less time to see and react to someone in or near the road.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Watervliet, Michigan
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately and wait for first responders if it is safe to do so. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation afterward is important, since some injuries are not obvious right away.
Drivers involved should stay at the scene and cooperate with responding officers, as the driver did in this case. Witnesses can help investigators by noting what they saw, including lighting conditions, vehicle speed, and the pedestrian's location and clothing. For those grieving a loss or coping with injuries from a crash like this, local victim services and county health resources can offer support.
