COTTONWOOD, Arizona — Cottonwood Police investigate a vehicle-pedestrian collision that occurred on March 27, 2025, at the intersection of North Main St. and Pinal St. The crash left one woman critically injured after a driver, turning left from Pinal onto southbound Main St., struck two pedestrians in a crosswalk.
The driver told police that traffic had stopped, leading her to believe she had the right of way. She said sun glare blinded her, causing her to miss the pedestrians crossing west to east. The vehicle hit both, with one woman directly impacted—she fell, struck her head on the road, and suffered potentially life-threatening injuries. Off-duty firefighters nearby performed CPR until Cottonwood Fire and Medical arrived.
The injured woman was airlifted to a Phoenix hospital for emergency care, while the second pedestrian’s condition wasn’t specified. Police observed no signs of driver impairment, but the investigation remains active to determine if charges will be filed. The intersection, a busy spot in downtown Cottonwood near shops and restaurants, has a history of issues—local reports from 2023 noted several near-misses due to sun glare and heavy traffic.
Arizona Department of Transportation data shows pedestrian accidents in Coconino County rose 15% from 2022 to 2023, underscoring the need for better safety measures. Cottonwood Police investigate thoroughly, thanking the off-duty firefighters for their lifesaving efforts and urging drivers to stay vigilant at crosswalks, especially in tricky conditions like sun glare. Witnesses are asked to call 928-634-4246 to assist.
