Livonia Township, MN (April 2, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash near Zimmerman on Wednesday, April 1, afternoon left two people injured. The accident occurred just before 5:30 p.m. on Highway 169 in Livonia Township.
Emergency units responded to the scene, where a Chevrolet Trailblazer traveling north on Highway 169 was struck by a Ford Explorer entering the highway from westbound 247th Avenue Northwest. The impact damaged both vehicles.
The driver of the Trailblazer, 41-year-old Steven Larson of Foley, was not injured. His passenger, 18-year-old Nathan Johnson of Foley, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. The driver of the Explorer, 39-year-old Maggie Pranter of Zimmerman, was not injured, while a 9-year-old girl in her vehicle was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our thoughts are with those affected as they continue to recover.
What Risks Are Common When Entering Highways from Side Roads?
Entering a highway from a side road can create challenges for drivers, especially when traffic is moving at higher speeds. Vehicles already on the highway often have the right of way, so merging drivers must carefully judge gaps in traffic.
Misjudging speed or distance can lead to collisions. A vehicle entering too quickly or too slowly may disrupt traffic flow, increasing the chance of a crash. Limited visibility at intersections can also make it harder to see oncoming vehicles in time.
Driver attention is another factor. Distractions or hesitation can delay decision-making, potentially resulting in unsafe entry onto the roadway. Taking extra time to check traffic and merging smoothly can help reduce these risks.
