Ford pickup hit man east of Langworth Road
January 14, 2026 | Oakdale, CA
A 29-year-old pedestrian from Oakdale was tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle on State Route 108 near Oakdale, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Michael Santellan, 67, of Modesto drove a Ford pickup eastbound on State Route 108 east of Langworth Road and struck pedestrian from Oakdale.
The collision happened around 3:30 a.m. on a Wednesday morning east of Langworth Road in Stanislaus County. Early reports indicate that 67-year-old Michael Santellan of Modesto was driving a Ford pickup truck eastbound when the crash occurred. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet determined if impairment played a role, and the incident remains under investigation by the CHP.
What Happened in the Oakdale Pedestrian Crash?
- Date and Time: Jan. 14, around 3:30 a.m.
- Location: State Route 108 east of Langworth Road, near Oakdale, Stanislaus County, California
- Victim: 29-year-old male pedestrian from Oakdale, pronounced deceased at the scene
- Driver: 67-year-old Michael Santellan of Modesto, operating an eastbound Ford pickup truck
- Status: Crash under active investigation, and no immediate determination on factors like impairment
Why Are Pedestrian Accidents Still So Common on U.S. Roads?
Pedestrians face significant risks on American roadways, even in areas where drivers must yield. Thousands lose their lives annually in traffic crashes involving pedestrians.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023, marking a 3.7% decrease from 7,593 in 2022, though still elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Preliminary data for 2024 indicates a further decline, with an estimated 7,148 pedestrian fatalities nationwide (down 4.3% year-over-year), per the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) analysis of state data.
In California, pedestrian fatalities have shown improvement:
- Decreased to approximately 1,106 in 2023 (down 8.8% from 1,213 in 2022), according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.
- Trends for 2024 suggest continued modest declines in some periods, amid ongoing safety efforts.
Los Angeles County has historically recorded high numbers, with over 1,600 pedestrian deaths from 2020–2024 in earlier cumulative reports.
Pedestrian Fatality Trends (U.S. and California)
| Year | U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities | Change from Previous Year | California Pedestrian Fatalities | Notes/Source |
|---|
| 2022 | 7,593 | Not Available | 1,213 | NHTSA / CA OTS |
| 2023 | 7,314 | -3.7% | 1,106 | NHTSA / CA OTS |
| 2024 (Prelim) | About 7,148 | -4.3% | Modest declines reported | GHSA preliminary data |
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Accidents
National legal analysts provide a valuable perspective on pedestrian safety and rights in cases such as this.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
- Drivers generally have a duty to yield to pedestrians.
- An independent investigation by a seasoned attorney can help protect the rights of the victim's family.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
- Families may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim.
- Potential damages include loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.
- Attorneys can guide families compassionately while advocating for fair compensation.
- Insurance companies may pressure for quick, low settlements, and experienced legal representation ensures respect and fair treatment.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
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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).