Police say Poway Unified bus struck pedestrian near Paseo Montalban
March 10, 2026 | San Diego, CA
A 69-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries after being hit by a school bus in the Rancho Peñasquitos area of San Diego.
Rene Steiner, 69, was seriously injured after being struck by a school bus at Paseo Montalban and Via Cima Bella in San Diego.
Rene Steiner was walking his dogs around 8:30 a.m. when the incident occurred at the intersection of Paseo Montalban and Via Cima Bella. The bus, operated by a 76-year-old driver, struck him, prompting immediate lifesaving measures by first responders. He was transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla with severe injuries, including a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, multiple rib fractures, and bilateral pulmonary contusion.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
What Happened in the Crash?
Key details from the incident include:
- Victim: Rene Steiner, 69 years old
- Location: Paseo Montalban and Via Cima Bella, Rancho Peñasquitos, San Diego
- Date and Time: March 10, approximately 8:30 a.m.
- Vehicle Involved: Poway Unified School District school bus driven by a 76-year-old
- Injuries: Life-threatening, including skull fracture, subdural hematoma, multiple rib fractures, and bilateral pulmonary contusion
- Response: First responders performed lifesaving efforts, and the victim was airlifted to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
The investigation focuses on factors that may have contributed to the pedestrian accident.
Why Do School Bus Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
School buses pose significant risks to pedestrians due to their size and limited driver visibility. Common contributing factors include:
- Driver distraction or fatigue
- Mechanical failures
- Inadequate training or experience
- Road conditions, poor signage, or lighting issues
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian safety around school buses remains a critical concern, with thousands of related incidents reported annually.
Factor |
Description |
Potential Impact |
|---|
Driver Error |
Distraction, fatigue, or inexperience |
Increases collision likelihood by up to 30% (NHTSA data) |
Vehicle Size |
Limited visibility for large buses |
Contributes to 40% of pedestrian strikes (FHWA estimates) |
Environmental |
Poor lighting or signage at intersections |
Heightens risk in residential areas like Rancho Peñasquitos |
Pedestrian Behavior |
Crossing or walking near bus paths |
Involved in 25% of school bus accidents (CDC reports) |
Data sourced from NHTSA, FHWA, and CDC pedestrian safety studies.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving commercial vehicles like school buses, an independent investigation is essential to preserve evidence and safeguard the victims' rights.
“Bus accidents can be complex, and operators often employ extensive legal resources to defend against claims,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst at Newsline. “Factors like road conditions, signage, and lighting must be meticulously reviewed. Legal representation can involve witnesses, driver background checks, and witness interviews to navigate the process effectively.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives on pedestrian-bus collisions:
- Preserve the crash scene promptly to collect critical evidence.
- Conduct thorough background checks on drivers and vehicle maintenance records.
- Explore all potential liable parties, including school districts and bus operators.
- Victims may pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain, and emotional distress.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the broader implications:
“Serious injuries from such collisions can profoundly affect daily life, from family dynamics to financial stability. Victims should understand their legal entitlements, including recovery for ongoing care, suffering, and trauma.”
Newsline underscores the importance of professional guidance in these matters.
Building Trust in Reporting
Newsline maintains rigorous editorial standards as a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc. Our unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence ensures accurate, timely coverage of incidents like this school bus crash in San Diego.
We invite readers to review our Corrections Policy for transparency, with a guaranteed 24-hour response to any concerns.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is experienced in pedestrian accidents involving serious injuries. She is available for a free consultation if you or a family member needs assistance.
(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).