Vehicle strikes pedestrian on eastbound lanes in Barstow area
December 31, 2025 | Barstow, CA
A tragic pedestrian accident claimed the life of 23-year-old Deneco McWilliams on Dec. 31 along the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 in Barstow, near the Interstate 15 junction.
Deneco McWilliams, 23, of Barstow dies after a vehicle strikes him as a pedestrian on the eastbound side of Interstate 40 near Interstate 15 in Barstow.
Key Details of the Incident
- Victim: Deneco McWilliams, 23, of Barstow
- Location: Eastbound Interstate 40 near Interstate 15, Barstow, California
- Time: Approximately 9:50 p.m. on Dec. 31
- Response Agencies: San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and California Highway Patrol (CHP)
- Outcome: McWilliams was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency responders
The CHP is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision between the pedestrian and the vehicle.
What Happened in the Crash?
Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports of a vehicle striking a pedestrian on the highway. Despite prompt response efforts, McWilliams could not be saved and was declared dead on-site. Authorities have not yet released details about the driver or the exact cause, but the ongoing investigation aims to determine contributing factors such as visibility or road conditions.
This incident underscores the dangers faced by pedestrians on high-speed roadways like Interstate 40, where limited lighting and fast-moving traffic can create hazardous situations.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users, often at risk from driver errors or environmental challenges. In California, such tragedies have reached alarming levels, with the state topping national figures for years.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the state saw 1,069 pedestrian deaths in 2023, accounting for about 25% of all traffic fatalities. This marks the fifth straight year California has led the U.S. in such losses.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) points to several key drivers behind the rise:
- Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors
- Impairment from alcohol or drugs
- Driver distractions, such as mobile phone use
- Infrastructure shortcomings that favor vehicles over foot traffic
Factor |
Contribution to Pedestrian Fatalities |
Source |
|---|
Speeding |
Increases impact severity by up to 50% |
GHSA |
Impairment |
Involved in 30% of cases |
NHTSA |
Distraction |
Affects 25% of drivers at any time |
CDC |
Poor Infrastructure |
Contributes to 20% of urban incidents |
Federal Highway Administration |
These statistics highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety measures, including better crosswalks, lighting, and public awareness campaigns.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the complexities involved in pedestrian accident cases, stressing the importance of thorough investigations to establish liability.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, a managing partner with Bond Legal. “Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined. An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a pedestrian accident,” added Bond, a national legal analyst with Newsline.
In cases such as this, families may pursue wrongful death claims to seek justice.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
- Key Takeaways:
- Investigate all elements like weather and signage to build a strong case
- Avoid settling hastily with insurers, who may undervalue claims
- Legal guidance ensures fair compensation and protects rights during grief
- Attorneys advocate vigorously for respectful treatment and full recovery
Newsline, owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., stands as a premier digital news platform with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our rigorous standards ensure accurate, timely reporting on critical stories like this pedestrian fatality in Barstow. We invite readers to review our Corrections Policy for transparency, with a 24-hour review guarantee on any concerns.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).