Redding, CA (March 12, 2026) – A woman died, and two children were injured after a crash on Wednesday afternoon, March 11, at the intersection of Hartnell Avenue and Victor Avenue in Redding.
Emergency units were dispatched around 1:49 p.m. after reports of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection. When crews arrived, they found a crash involving a Subaru and a small pickup truck.
Authorities said the pickup truck rolled over during the crash and came to rest upside down in the roadway. The female driver of the pickup was partially ejected during the rollover and died from her injuries at the scene.
Two child passengers inside the pickup truck were also hurt in the crash. They were taken to a nearby hospital with injuries described as not life-threatening.
Investigators reported that the pickup truck had been traveling eastbound on Hartnell Avenue and entered the intersection against a red light before colliding with a Subaru driven by 41-year-old Daniel Reed of Redding, who was traveling southbound on Victor Avenue.
Authorities indicated the pickup driver had been using a cellphone during the moments leading up to the crash. Roads around the intersection were temporarily closed but later reopened after the response concluded.
The crash remains under investigation, and additional details may be released as authorities continue their review.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased victim, and wish those injured a swift and full recovery.
Why Distracted Driving and Intersection Crashes Can Turn Severe
Intersections such as Hartnell Avenue and Victor Avenue often see steady traffic from multiple directions. When a crash occurs in Redding, responders typically focus on securing the scene and assisting those involved before traffic flow returns to normal.
Distracted driving can reduce a driver’s ability to react to traffic signals, vehicles, or pedestrians. Activities such as using a phone may take attention away from the roadway for several seconds, which can be enough time to miss a signal change or approaching traffic.
Rollover crashes can also increase the risk of severe injury. When a vehicle overturns, occupants may be exposed to greater forces during the crash, especially if safety restraints are not used.
