A devastating accident involving multiple vehicles sent at least six people to the hospital in northern San Benito County Saturday night. The accident occurred along State Route 25 north of Flynn Road on August 21, 2021.
KION-TV reported the crash occurred just north of Hollister after a gray Mazda 3 car traveling northbound pulled to the shoulder to make a U-turn. California Highway Patrol investigators say the Mazda attempted the turn and was broadsided by a Chevy Tahoe SUV also traveling northbound. The Tahoe then continued into the southbound lanes and struck a Honda Accord car head-on.
The chain-reaction accident sent at least six victims to the hospital with serious injuries. Further updates on the victims haven’t been released.
CHP investigators continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. They have not released whether drugs or alcohol contributed to the accident.
San Benito County Accident Dangers
Highways cutting through farm country in San Benito County are usually narrow and offer little protection from oncoming traffic. There may be nothing more than a few feet separating fast-moving vehicles heading in opposite directions.
A reckless maneuver by drivers can change the course of other vehicles in their lanes and threaten vehicles in oncoming lanes. Drivers can suddenly be on course for a head-on collision and be given little time or room to avoid a devastating crash.
The Highway Patrol sees these tragic cases every day. They record their accident numbers to California’s Transporation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) so that accurate numbers can be kept on the dangers drivers are facing. In 2020, TIMS recorded 217 traffic collisions across San Benito County. Those accidents caused almost 300 injuries and claimed at least 12 lives.
Only 13 of those reported collisions involved a head-on impact. That’s one positive, at least, because frontal collisions can have much more severe consequences for drivers and passengers. The speeds of both vehicles are factored into the crash, doubling the forces involved. This often leads to more severe injuries for victims.
Drivers using San Benito County highways must show extra care and avoid getting distracted while traveling. They must also avoid reckless moves that leave other motorists confused about their intentions. With a little more caution, dozens of dangerous collisions can be avoided across the county each year.
Seeking Legal Advice After a Car Accident in San Benito County
Accident victims must remain vigilant when dealing with the insurance companies representing at-fault drivers. Unfortunately, the insurance providers will not inform you of your rights as a victim or the compensation available to you for injuries. If you or a family member is ever involved in a serious crash, be sure to speak to an attorney in your area. You can visit our page about accidents in Hollister and San Benito County for more information.
