Las Cruces, NM – December 31, 2025

By Chris Edwards, New Mexico Conservative News

In a stark reminder that personal responsibility on our roadways is sorely lacking, Las Cruces police are probing two unrelated pedestrian crashes—one fatal—that struck within just eight hours late Monday into early Tuesday. These incidents aren’t isolated; they expose a deepening problem across New Mexico, where pedestrians too often disregard basic safety rules, putting themselves and innocent drivers at grave risk.

The deadly crash occurred just before 10 p.m. on December 29 in the 500 block of South Telshor Boulevard. A northbound Ford F-150 struck a 54-year-old woman, identified in reports as Charlotte M. Bates from Hobbs, as she crossed outside a marked crosswalk. She was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries. The 55-year-old driver stopped immediately and fully cooperated with authorities.

Early Tuesday, around 5:30 a.m. on December 30, tragedy nearly repeated on Triviz Drive south of Spruce Avenue. A 67-year-old driver in a Chevrolet Cavalier, turning southbound, hit a 74-year-old man who was also crossing mid-block, far from any designated crosswalk. The pedestrian, conscious at the scene, was airlifted to University Medical Center in El Paso and remains in critical condition. Once again, the driver stayed and cooperated.

In both cases, investigators confirmed the pedestrians were jaywalking—illegally darting into traffic without yielding right-of-way as required by state law. Police have stated no charges are expected against the drivers, who appear to have done nothing wrong.

These heartbreaking events underscore a statewide epidemic of reckless pedestrian behavior that’s driving up dangers on our streets—from Alamogordo to Las Cruces and up to Albuquerque. While politicians push for more government spending on lights and signs, the real issue boils down to individuals ignoring simple rules: Use crosswalks. Look both ways. Don’t assume drivers can always stop in time, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions.

Statewide Pedestrian Fatality Trends: A Call for Accountability

New Mexico continues to lead the nation in per-capita pedestrian deaths—a title we’ve held for eight straight years. Preliminary 2024 data shows about 93-94 fatalities, down slightly from 108 in 2023, but our rate remains the highest nationwide at around 4.41 per 100,000 residents—more than double many states.

Alcohol plays a role in nearly half these crashes, far above the national average. Many occur after dark on busy roads without sidewalks, but a common thread is pedestrians failing to use available crossings or yielding to traffic.

In southern New Mexico, these latest Las Cruces incidents follow patterns seen elsewhere: isolated fatalities in prior years giving way to clusters in 2025, including a fatal train-pedestrian collision in Alamogordo back in June.

It’s time for real talk—more enforcement of jaywalking laws, tougher personal accountability, and less reliance on endless infrastructure handouts. Drivers aren’t mind-readers, and no amount of beacons or fences can replace common sense. New Mexicans deserve safer roads, but that starts with everyone following the rules.

Chris Edwards is editor of New Mexico Conservative News, a 2nd Life Media Brand. Follow us for unfiltered coverage of issues impacting our state.