An investigation revealed that a man riding on a wheelchair was traveling down the road when he was struck by a car heading in the same direction. The driver was unable to slow down in time to avoid the pedestrian due to low visibility
Fowler, CA – A man on a wheelchair was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle at an intersection in Fowler on Tuesday evening, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP received reports about the incident shortly before 5:30 p.m. December 23, in the area of South and Clovis avenues.
An investigation revealed that a man riding on a wheelchair was traveling down the road when he was struck by a car heading in the same direction. The driver was unable to slow down in time to avoid the pedestrian due to low visibility.
The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. Authorities reported that the pedestrian admitted to drinking prior to the accident.
The involved driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. The CHP investigation is still ongoing.
Pedestrians remain at a high risk of being hit by vehicles in Fresno, though recent data shows some improvement in fatal crash numbers, mirroring a statewide trend. In 2023, the City of Fresno recorded 2,819 police-reported crashes, which averages to about 7-8 per day, while Fresno County experienced 126 fatal collisions. The county's 2023 fatality count was a meaningful decline from a peak in 2022, aligning with California's overall 11% decrease in traffic deaths that year. A significant concern in the area is the high risk for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, with Fresno previously being ranked as the 10th most dangerous city in the USA for pedestrians between 2016 and 2020. Historically, key danger areas include urban arterial roads and Highway 99, which has been noted for poor lighting and high speeds contributing to fatal accidents. Leading causes of collisions in Fresno and the wider region include speeding, impaired driving, left turns, and distracted driving. Impaired driving accounts for a significant portion of serious incidents, and overall, most crashes result in injuries rather than fatalities.
Have You Been Injured in a Fresno Pedestrian Collision?
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