Michael Pines | January 8, 2026 | Pedestrian Accidents
The San Diego International Airport welcomes over 20 million passengers annually. With that volume of travelers comes significant pedestrian risks around the airport’s pick-up and drop-off zones. The busy curbside areas at Terminals 1 and 2 create conditions where distracted drivers, rushed passengers, and heavy traffic converge in potentially dangerous ways.
Airport terminal areas present unique challenges that can increase collision risks for travelers trying to reach their flights or find their rides home. Keep reading to learn more about pedestrian risks around the San Diego International Airport’s pick-up and drop-off zones.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Collisions at Airports
Airport drop-off and pick-up zones combine multiple hazards in a small area. Drivers may be navigating unfamiliar roads while searching for their terminals. Passengers have to drag heavy luggage between parked cars and sidewalks while drivers compete for limited curb space.
Several factors contribute to pedestrian accidents in these areas. Drivers may be looking at signs or their phones instead of watching for people crossing lanes, and passengers sometimes step into traffic without checking for approaching vehicles. Vehicles also travel at varying speeds in these zones, making it hard for pedestrians to judge when crossing is safe.
The ongoing construction at the San Diego International Airport adds another layer of complexity. Temporary traffic patterns and relocated ground transportation services require extra attention from both drivers and pedestrians. Road closures and detours can create confusion, increasing the risk of accidents.
California Laws Protecting Pedestrians
California law provides important protections for people walking near roads and parking areas. Under the California Vehicle Code, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. This applies to airport terminal areas where crosswalks connect parking structures to terminal entrances.
The law also requires drivers to reduce speed and take any necessary action to protect pedestrian safety. However, pedestrians share responsibility for their own protection. They should not suddenly step into the path of an approaching vehicle or unnecessarily stop traffic in crosswalks.
Staying Safe at the San Diego Airport
Travelers can take several steps to reduce their risk of being struck by a vehicle.
These precautions apply whether you arrive for a flight or come to pick up arriving passengers:
- Use designated crosswalks and wait for traffic to stop before crossing
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the road
- Put away your phone when walking through terminal areas
- Watch for vehicles backing out of parking spaces
- Wear bright or reflective clothing during early morning or evening hours
Drivers should also take responsibility for pedestrian safety. Stay alert in curbside zones and be prepared for pedestrians to cross unexpectedly. Give pedestrians extra time to cross, especially those with heavy luggage or mobility challenges.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident at the Airport
If you are injured while walking near the airport, take immediate steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek medical attention first, even if injuries seem minor. Some serious conditions do not show symptoms right away.
- Document the scene if possible. Take photos of the location, any visible injuries, and the vehicle involved.
- Obtain contact information from witnesses who witnessed the incident.
- Report the incident to airport security and request copies of any incident reports they file.
- Keep records of all medical treatment, missed work, and other expenses related to your injuries. These documents can become important if you later pursue compensation from the driver who struck you or their insurance company.
You should also consider consulting with an experienced attorney to understand and protect your right to compensation for your injuries.
Contact Our San Diego Personal Injury Lawyers at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries because people on foot have no protection against vehicles. Broken bones, head injuries, and spinal damage frequently require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Insurance companies may try to blame pedestrians for their own injuries. They might argue that you crossed outside a crosswalk or failed to watch for traffic. An experienced San Diego personal injury attorney can investigate the accident and gather evidence showing the driver’s negligence. Call Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers to set up a free consultation.
We proudly serve San Diego, San Diego County, and its surrounding areas:
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
835 5th Avenue #302, San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 551-2090
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Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – La Jolla Office
4660 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 585-9031
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