On September 30, 2025, at 7:10 p.m., police officers responded to a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic collision in the area of Artesia Boulevard and Valley View Street, according to the Buena Park Police Department.
Upon arrival, Officers located an unresponsive 46-year-old female in the roadway. Despite lifesaving efforts, Orange County Fire Authority Paramedics pronounced the female deceased.
The driver of the involved vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Based on witness statements and the preliminary investigation, traffic investigators believe the pedestrian was walking in the middle of the number three lane of eastbound Artesia Boulevard, closest to the south curb, when she suddenly turned to cross northbound in front of approaching vehicles. The driver of the vehicle in the number one lane of eastbound Artesia Boulevard was unable to avoid a collision with the pedestrian.
The Buena Park Police Department’s Serious Collision Investigation Detail responded and is conducting a full investigation. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information can contact the Buena Park Police Department Traffic Bureau.
Based on the information provided by the police, the driver involved in the fatal pedestrian collision in Buena Park on September 30, 2025, is unlikely to face criminal penalties if the investigation confirms that:
- The driver was not impaired.
- The driver was not speeding or driving recklessly.
- The pedestrian entered the roadway in an unsafe manner.
- The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
In California, drivers are generally not criminally liable for fatal accidents unless there is evidence of negligence, recklessness, or unlawful behavior. However, the final determination depends on the outcome of the police investigation.
Regarding auto insurance, even if the driver is not found at fault, their auto insurance premiums may still increase due to the severity of the incident. The insurance company may also be involved in any civil claims or settlements related to the death.
As for the impact employment, if the driver was operating a vehicle for work, their employer may review the incident. If the driver is found to have followed all safety protocols and was not at fault, termination or disciplinary action is unlikely. However, company policies and public relations considerations may influence the employer’s response.
Make jaywalking illegal again!!!
City planning has created wide streets, long distances between crosswalks, and inadequate sidewalks. This leaves pedestrians with little choice but to cross where they can, as their neighborhoods lack safe and accessible infrastructure.
Nope. Nice try. I’ve walked, taken the bus, ridden bikes, and now drive. Your argument maybe, MAYBE holds water in South County, but even there with simple planning, foresight and desire to follow the law and keep myself safe, I am always able to cross the street in a safe, marked crosswalk. It comes down to a priority, do you want to risk it and cross in the middle of the street to save a few minutes, or do you want to cross where you’re supposed to follow the law and stay safe an in the legal right-of-way. We expect drivers to do this; nobody would be arguing for the driver that made an illegal U-turn and caused an accident that there isn’t enough “accessibility” to U-turns. Just the opposite, we’d say “what a reckless schmuck!”. But there’s this notion that bikes and pedestrians are morally superior by default that drivers and can do no wrong.