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ANAHEIM, Orange County, Calif., Sept. 27, 2026 — A wrong-way crash trapped a woman inside her car on Friday night, September 25, on the on-ramp connecting Lincoln Avenue to I-5 North. The California Highway Patrol said a gray Tesla Model 3 collided with a gray Cadillac SUV, and at least one occupant reported injuries.
A witness told dispatchers one of the vehicles had been traveling the wrong way on the on-ramp before the crash. The report identified the trapped occupant as the wife of the man who called in the collision, and callers could reportedly be heard telling her the door would not open. Crews needed extrication equipment to free her from the wreckage.
The crash blocked lanes on the ramp, and the CHP said the on-ramp was fully shut down for a time on Friday evening while crews worked the scene. Tow trucks from Anaheim and Westminster were requested to clear the vehicles, according to the police. The ramp reopened several hours later, shortly before 9:40 p.m.
The extent of injuries has not been released, and the CHP has not said which vehicle was traveling in the wrong direction or what may have caused the crash. The collision remains under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Wrong-Way Crashes and Who Is Most at Risk
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, older drivers had a higher risk of fatal wrong-way crashes on divided highways in 2014 through 2023. That finding points to age as one of the clearest risk factors in these crashes, alongside impairment and nighttime driving conditions, which repeatedly show up in wrong-way collision data nationwide.
Wrong-way crashes are rare compared to other collision types, but they draw outsized attention because they tend to happen at higher speeds and on limited-access highways where a head-on impact is more likely. On-ramps and off-ramps are common entry points, since a driver who misses signage or turns the wrong direction at an interchange can end up traveling against traffic before other drivers have time to react.
Most wrong-way crashes occur at night or in the early morning hours, when visibility is lower and wrong-way signage is harder to spot. Rural and unfamiliar interchanges see more of these incidents than heavily marked urban corridors, though any divided highway with ramp access carries some risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I see a wrong-way driver?
Move to the right lane or shoulder as soon as it's safe, avoid swerving into oncoming lanes, and call 911 to report the vehicle's location and direction of travel so authorities can respond quickly.
How do highways try to prevent wrong-way entries?
Many agencies use lowered wrong-way signs, reflective pavement arrows, and in some locations sensors that alert authorities or flash warnings when a vehicle enters a ramp against traffic.
Does alcohol play a role in wrong-way crashes?
Impaired driving is a common factor in wrong-way collisions nationally, particularly in crashes that happen late at night, though each case depends on its own investigation.
Are wrong-way crashes more common on certain roads?
They occur more frequently on divided highways with ramp access, especially at interchanges where signage is unclear or unfamiliar to the driver.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Anaheim, CA
If you're involved in or witness a wrong-way collision, call 911 immediately and move to a safe location away from traffic if possible. Even if injuries seem minor, seek a medical evaluation, since impact injuries and shock can mask symptoms that appear hours later.
Cooperate with the California Highway Patrol or local police, document the scene, and hold onto any paperwork, photos, or witness contact information you gather. If you're a passenger or driver affected by a crash like this, give yourself time to process the experience and lean on family, friends, or a counselor if needed.
