A Friday night in Long Beach turned deadly when a man ran into lanes of traffic and was struck by an SUV near Del Amo Boulevard and Locust Avenue, authorities said. Officers and paramedics were called around 8 p.m., and the pedestrian was rushed to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators as they began processing the crash site.
What happened
Officers responded to the intersection at about 8 p.m. Friday after reports of a collision involving a pedestrian, according to MyNewsLA. The outlet reported that a westbound 2023 Hyundai Tucson hit the man after he ran into the travel lanes. Paramedics took him to a hospital, where he later died.
The Long Beach Police Department told the outlet that “speed, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are not believed to be factors” in the crash. The man’s name is being withheld until officials can notify his next of kin.
Long Beach’s Vision Zero push
According to the city’s Safe Streets Long Beach program, the city has adopted a Vision Zero action plan that aims to eliminate traffic deaths by 2026, with a focus on lowering speeds and redesigning high-injury corridors. The program’s 2023 progress report notes that fatal and serious crashes climbed during the pandemic and identifies speed as a frequent underlying factor.
The report also outlines engineering projects and enforcement efforts intended to make crossings safer. City officials say they have already reduced posted speed limits on dozens of street segments and are pushing ahead with capital projects and outreach efforts aimed at protecting people who walk and bike.
A wider pattern
The Long Beach crash comes amid a broader spike in traffic deaths across the region. Los Angeles recorded record-high crash fatalities in 2023, with advocates pressing for speed cameras and other safety measures, according to the Los Angeles Times. Safety advocates argue that changes to street design, paired with stronger enforcement, are both needed to reverse the trend and better protect vulnerable road users…