Vehicle turns left and strikes pedestrian in crosswalk near Highway 101
December 01, 2025 | Atascadero, CA
Rachel Hoffman, a 69-year-old resident of Atascadero, California, lost her life after being struck by a pickup truck while crossing a Highway 101 on-ramp.
The California Highway Patrol-Templeton Area reported the tragic event, underscoring the dangers pedestrians face at busy intersections.
Rachel Hoffman, 69, of Atascadero died after a Ford F-150 struck her as she crossed the southbound San Anselmo Road on-ramp to Highway 101.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded around 10:20 a.m. on Dec. 1, 2025, along the southbound San Anselmo Road on-ramp to Highway 101 in Atascadero.
Key details include:
- Victim: Rachel Hoffman, 69, walking east on the sidewalk and crossing within the marked crosswalk.
- Vehicle Involved: A Ford F-150 pickup truck driven by a 66-year-old man, who made a left turn onto the highway entrance.
- Collision: The truck struck Hoffman, leading to fatal injuries despite immediate life-saving efforts by responders.
- Scene Outcome: Hoffman was pronounced dead at the location, and no other injuries were reported.
Authorities have stated there is no evidence of impairment contributing to the crash, and the investigation remains active to determine further factors.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities on U.S. roadways highlight ongoing safety challenges. Drivers must remain vigilant, especially at on-ramps and intersections where visibility can be limited. Common contributing factors include failure to yield and distracted driving, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness.
Pedestrian Crash Statistics
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian deaths continue to rise. In the first half of 2024 alone, approximately 2,304 pedestrians were killed in crashes nationwide. The following table summarizes key national data from reputable sources:
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Fatalities (First Half 2024) |
2,304 |
GHSA Report |
Annual Pedestrian Deaths (2023) |
Over 7,500 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Percentage of Crashes Involving Crosswalks |
25% |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Preventable Pedestrian Incidents |
90%+ |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
These figures illustrate the preventable nature of many such tragedies through improved driver education and infrastructure.
Legal Insights
Newsline's national legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on pedestrian accidents to help inform families and communities.
“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 of Bond Legal.
Key takeaways from analyst insights in cases such as this:
- An independent investigation by a qualified attorney is crucial to protect the rights of affected families and establish negligence.
- Proper resources are essential for thorough case reviews, including accident reconstruction and witness statements.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members may seek damages for loss of income, pain and suffering, and more following such incidents.”
Analysts stress that consulting legal professionals early can prevent insurance companies from undervaluing claims, ensuring fair compensation.
Newsline's Commitment to Credibility
As a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., Newsline upholds an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our rigorous editorial standards ensure accurate, verified reporting, with a 24-hour review guarantee under our Corrections Policy. This story is based on data from the California Highway Patrol and other authoritative sources. For questions or corrections, visit our Corrections Form.
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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).