A busy stretch of north Modesto turned tragic Friday evening when a woman was fatally struck while trying to cross Pelandale Avenue, police said. Officers were called out around 6:30 p.m. to the section of Pelandale just west of Prescott Road. Investigators say the woman had been walking north along the canal before stepping into oncoming traffic. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with officers.
What police say
Modesto police told reporters the woman was hit while attempting to cross Pelandale Avenue and that their initial investigation is still unfolding, according to CBS Sacramento. The outlet reports that authorities do not believe alcohol or drugs played a role.
Driver stayed at scene; investigation continues
KCRA reported that both the driver and the pedestrian are Modesto residents and that investigators are still working to piece together exactly how the crash happened. Officials have not publicly released the victim's name, and the case remains an active investigation.
Pelandale corridor's safety record
Pelandale Avenue has seen other serious crashes in recent years, including a collision in late October that investigators later said left a driver dead. The deadly incidents have highlighted safety worries on the busy east–west artery, CBS Sacramento reported. City and county traffic officials have at times reviewed high‑crash stretches for possible enforcement efforts and engineering changes.
What happens next
Authorities have not yet released the woman's identity and say the investigation is ongoing. KCRA reports that the police department plans to share more information as it becomes available. The latest collision adds to continuing concerns about how safe it really is to walk along and across some of Modesto's busiest corridors.
