Montevideo, MN (September 10, 2026) – One person was injured in a two-vehicle crash on Wednesday, September 9, at the intersection of eastbound Highway 7 and County Road 2 in Rheiderland Township, Chippewa County.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer was traveling eastbound on Highway 7 while a 2016 Jeep Cherokee was traveling northbound on County Road 2 when the vehicles collided. Both drivers were wearing seat belts, and alcohol was not suspected.
The 40-year-old Jeep driver, Angela Maria Olmscheid of Clara City, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Willmar Hospital. The 27-year-old Trailblazer driver, Travis James Parker of Belview, was not injured. Road conditions were reported as dry. Chippewa County State Patrol and Montevideo Ambulance assisted at the scene.
Our thoughts are with the injured driver and everyone affected by this crash. We wish her a full and speedy recovery.
How Does Seat Belt Use Help During a Vehicle Crash?
Seat belts are designed to keep occupants properly positioned during a sudden stop or collision. Without a restraint, a person’s body can continue moving forward even after the vehicle begins to stop, increasing the risk of striking the interior or another occupant. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the likelihood of being thrown from the vehicle and can help limit the severity of some injuries.
Proper seat belt use means the lap belt rests low across the hips while the shoulder belt crosses the chest and shoulder. Belts should remain snug and should not be placed behind the back or under the arm. Children should use an appropriate car seat or booster until they are large enough for a seat belt to fit correctly.
Seat belts work together with airbags and other vehicle safety systems rather than replacing them. Airbags provide additional protection during certain types of impacts, while the restraint helps keep occupants in the proper position for those systems to work effectively. Using a seat belt on every trip remains an important part of occupant protection.
