Santa Maria man dead after being struck by vehicle along Hwy 46: CHP

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A Santa Maria man is dead after walking along Highway 46 and into oncoming traffic near Kecks Road Saturday night, officials said.

Officers with the California Highway Patrol were dispatched to the area of Highway 46 just east of Kecks Road for a crash involving a vehicle and an “unknown object,” according to the highway patrol.

Investigators said an unknown aged male was walking near the eastbound number one lane as a 2014 silver Lincoln Navigator was driving in the same lane.

Officers said for unknown reasons the male pedestrian entered the lane in front of the Lincoln. The driver of the Lincoln was unable to avoid the pedestrian and struck him.

Officials with the highway patrol told 17 News, the male pedestrian was possibly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

All occupants of the Lincoln were uninjured, according to CHP.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.