A 39 year-old man was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in the area of 2500 N. Grand Avenue, according to the SAPD.
On August 27, 2025, at approximately 11:35 p.m., the Santa Ana Police Department received multiple reports of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a bicyclist in the area of 2500 N. Grand Ave.
Police officers, along with Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), responded to the scene and rendered aid to the bicyclist, identified as Andrew Rodriguez (39) of Wilmington, who was lying in traffic lanes unresponsive.
Despite life-saving efforts, Rodriguez was pronounced deceased at the scene by OCFA.
Based on the preliminary investigation, the vehicle was traveling southbound on Grand Ave. through Fairhaven Avenue when it collided with the bicyclist, who was crossing southbound lanes.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Vanessa Anahi Picenavalos (26) of Santa Ana, remained at the scene and was arrested for DUI.
The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigations Unit is investigating this incident. Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact Detective K. Briley at (714) 245-8215 or the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at (714) 245-8200.
Penalties faced by the DUI Driver
Here’s a summary of the legal and insurance consequences for Vanessa Anahi Picenavalos, the driver arrested for DUI in the fatal bicycle crash in Santa Ana:
Legal Penalties in California for DUI Causing Death
If convicted, the driver could face:
- Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated (California Penal Code 191.5):
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and fines.
- Felony: Up to 10 years in state prison.
- Restitution: She may be ordered to pay for:
- Funeral costs
- Lost income
- Other damages to the victim’s family.
- Civil Lawsuits: The victim’s family may sue for:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Punitive damages.
- Driver’s License Suspension: Likely mandatory suspension or revocation.
- Permanent Criminal Record: This can affect employment, housing, and reputation.
Impact on Auto Insurance
A DUI conviction involving a fatality will severely affect her auto insurance:
- Premium Increase: Rates may rise by 186% or more, costing an extra $3,000 per year.
- Policy Cancellation: Her insurer may cancel her coverage entirely.
- SR-22 Requirement: She’ll likely need to file an SR-22 form to prove minimum coverage, which flags her as a high-risk driver 2.
- Long-Term Impact: The DUI can affect her insurance rates for up to 10 years.
Bicycle Fatalities Involving Alcohol
- About 1 in 4 bicycle deaths in California involve alcohol impairment, either by the driver or the cyclist.
- This means roughly 36 out of 145 bicycle fatalities in 2023 were linked to alcohol use.
General Bicycle Fatality Stats
- In 2023, there were 145 bicyclist deaths statewide, down from 183 in 2022.
- California consistently ranks among the top 3 states for bicycle fatalities.
- Most fatal crashes happen in urban areas, at non-intersections, and during evening hours.
DUI-Specific Trends
- DUI-related bicycle deaths are often underreported unless the driver is tested or arrested at the scene3.
- In fatal crashes where alcohol is involved, drivers are not always cited, even when they are at fault 3.
Data about fatalities involving bicyclists and drivers in California
Here’s a summary of how often bicyclists are fatally struck by cars in California:
- In 2022, there were 177 bicyclist fatalities from motor vehicle crashes.
- In 2023, that number dropped to 145, which is a 20.8% decrease.
- On average, over 100 bicyclists die each year in California due to collisions with vehicles.
Key patterns:
- Most fatal crashes happen in urban areas.
- Evenings, especially on Thursdays and Saturdays between 6–9 PM, are the most dangerous times.
- Crashes often occur on high-speed roads and outside intersections.
- Common causes include driver distraction, failure to yield, and alcohol involvement.
- Men, especially those aged 55–64, make up the majority of victims.