WINTERS, Yolo County, Calif., Sept. 27, 2026 — A man riding an electric scooter was hurt on Saturday evening, September 26, when he reportedly went off the roadway near Valley Oak Drive and Moody Slough Road in Winters. The California Highway Patrol said a white Honda Civic or similar vehicle was involved before leaving the scene.
According to the CHP incident log, the scooter rider ran off the road and into a ditch around 6:12 p.m., southbound at Valley Oak Drive. The driver of the second vehicle did not stop, and the case is being handled as a hit and run with injuries, the agency said.
Winters Fire personnel responded and were on scene with the patient within about 10 minutes, per the log. The man was transported to Sutter Davis Hospital for treatment. Winters Police also responded to the scene, according to dispatch notes.
The extent of the man's injuries has not been released. The search for the striking vehicle and its driver is ongoing, according to the CHP.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
When Pedestrian and Scooter Crashes Are Most Likely to Happen
Crashes involving people on foot or on scooters tend to cluster in the evening hours, when daylight fades, but traffic volumes are still high. Drivers adjusting to dimmer light may not spot a person or a small scooter until it's close, especially on rural roads without street lighting.
Weekday evening commutes bring a mix of tired drivers, people hurrying home, and pedestrians or riders sharing narrow shoulders with vehicle traffic. That combination can turn ordinary roadways into higher-risk stretches once the sun goes down.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities decreased from 1,213 in 2022 to 1,106 in 2023. Even with that decline, evening and nighttime hours continue to account for a large share of pedestrian and scooter crashes statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but drivers and pedestrians alike are expected to use caution and avoid stepping or turning into oncoming traffic without a clear opening.
How can drivers reduce the risk of hitting a pedestrian?
Slowing down in areas with foot or scooter traffic, scanning shoulders and ditches at dusk, and giving extra space when passing anyone outside a vehicle all help drivers spot people sooner.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian and scooter accidents?
Common injuries include fractures, road rash, head injuries, and internal injuries, particularly when a rider or pedestrian is struck or thrown from a scooter.
What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Distracted driving, low visibility, speeding, and impaired driving are frequently cited factors in crashes involving pedestrians and scooter riders.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run E-Scooter Crash in Winters, CA
If you're involved in or witness a hit-and-run crash, call 911 right away and try to note details about the other vehicle, such as color, make, or partial plate number, if it's safe to do so. Stay with the injured person until help arrives, and let paramedics evaluate anyone involved, even if injuries seem minor at first.
Report the crash to local police as soon as possible so it can be logged and investigated. Keep any medical records from the visit, since some injuries from scooter crashes don't show symptoms for hours or days. If you live in the Winters area and are shaken by hearing about a crash like this, reaching out to neighbors or local community resources can help.