Pedestrian crashes on National Ave, San Diego

We don't rate streets as safe or unsafe: crash counts can't say how risky a street is, and busy streets have more crashes partly because more people use them. This page covers traffic crashes, not crime. What the records show: 23 pedestrian crashes were reported on National Ave in San Diego from 2021–2026, 4 of them serious or fatal (1 fatal). The most were at National Ave & South 32nd Ave (5). 26% involved a driver turning, 26% turning left. 43% of the people hit were in a crosswalk at an intersection.

• The worst spot, on the mapNational Ave & South 32nd Ave5 crashes. Drivers turning left into people crossing.
• Next in San DiegoUniversity Ave98 pedestrian crashes, 2021–2026
• The whole cityPedestrian hotspots in San Diego2,257 pedestrian crashes, 2021–2026

• 26% involved a driver turning, 26% turning left.
• 43% of the people hit were in a crosswalk at an intersection.
• 30% were crossing away from a crosswalk.
• 65% happened after dark.
• 22% were hit-and-run.

1. National Ave & South 32nd Ave

   5 crashes · 1 serious or fatal · 1 fatal

   Drivers turning left into people crossing

   In 2 of 5 crashes a driver was turning left. 4 of 5 people were in the crosswalk at the intersection: having the right of way didn't protect them. 60% happened after dark.

   • Before you step out, look for drivers turning left from the far side of the junction. They are watching for a gap in oncoming traffic, not for you.
   • Wear something light or reflective, and cross where the street is lit.
   See it on the map

2. National Ave & 38th St

   5 crashes · 1 serious or fatal

   Drivers turning left into people crossing

   In 2 of 5 crashes a driver was turning left. 40% happened after dark.

   • Before you step out, look for drivers turning left from the far side of the junction. They are watching for a gap in oncoming traffic, not for you.
   • Wear something light or reflective, and cross where the street is lit.
   See it on the map

3. National Ave & Commercial St

   3 crashes · 1 serious or fatal

   People hit walking in the road

   2 of 3 people were in the road or on the shoulder when they were hit, not crossing. 100% happened after dark.

   • Stay out of the traffic lane: check behind you before stepping out from a parked car, and where there's no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far from the lane as you can.
   • Wear something light or reflective, and cross where the street is lit.
   See it on the map

4. National Ave & 36th St

   3 crashes

   People hit crossing mid-block

   2 of 3 people were crossing away from a crosswalk. 67% happened after dark.

   • Cross at the nearest signal or crosswalk here, even if it's out of your way. Drivers don't expect people mid-block.
   • Wear something light or reflective, and cross where the street is lit.
   See it on the map

5. National Ave & 28th St

   3 crashes

   A mix of crash types

   Of 3 people hit here, 2 were in a crosswalk at the intersection. 67% happened after dark. 67% were hit-and-run.

   • No single crash pattern stands out here. Cross with the signal, and check for turning drivers before you step out.
   • Wear something light or reflective, and cross where the street is lit.
   See it on the map

Spots with 3 or more reported crashes within about 250 m, worst first.

The busiest hour was 9 p.m..

Where on National Ave do the most pedestrian crashes happen?

National Ave & South 32nd Ave, with 5 reported pedestrian crashes from 2021–2026, 1 of them serious or fatal. Next are National Ave & 38th St (5) and National Ave & Commercial St (3).

How do pedestrians usually get hit on National Ave?

26% involved a driver turning, 26% turning left. 43% of the people hit were in a crosswalk at an intersection. 30% were crossing away from a crosswalk. 65% happened after dark. 22% were hit-and-run.

How many pedestrian crashes happen on National Ave each year?

Reported pedestrian crashes on National Ave in San Diego: 2021: 6, 2022: 4, 2023: 2, 2024: 6, 2025: 1, 2026: 4. The latest year can rise as late reports come in.

Where does this data come from?

Police crash reports in the California Crash Reporting System (CCRS), published by the state on data.ca.gov, counted by the street each report names first. Only crashes reported with map coordinates are counted, so the real totals are higher.