CADIZ, Green County, Wis., Sept. 24, 2026 — A 56-year-old man died on Tuesday evening, September 22, after a head-on crash on STH 11 in the Town of Cadiz. A 23-year-old woman driving the other vehicle was hurt, according to the Green County Sheriff's Office.
The crash happened just after 6:30 p.m. when a van driven by the man was heading west when it collided with an SUV driven by the woman. He died at the scene. She was taken to a hospital for treatment; the extent of her injuries has not been released.
Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and had to be towed, investigators said. Airbags deployed in both vehicles. It is not yet known whether either driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The crash remains under investigation. No further details, including a possible cause, have been released.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
What Actually Reduces Head-On Crashes on Rural Highways
Head-on crashes usually come down to a matter of seconds. When a vehicle drifts into oncoming traffic, the other driver typically has only a moment to notice, judge the threat, and react. On a two-lane highway at higher speeds, that window can close before there's time to brake or steer clear.
Road design has proven to cut these outcomes even when driver reaction time can't. Centerline rumble strips alert drivers before a lane drift becomes a crash. Median barriers on divided sections physically separate opposing traffic. Better lighting, wider shoulders, and corridor treatments that reduce passing on blind curves all give drivers more room to correct course before a collision becomes unavoidable.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 44 percent of fatally injured passenger-vehicle occupants in frontal impacts were belted in 2023. That figure reflects how much protection still depends on both engineering and simple habits like buckling up, working together rather than one substituting for the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I see a car drifting into my lane?
Slow down and move toward the shoulder if possible. Avoid swerving sharply into oncoming traffic in the other direction, and use your horn to alert the other driver if there's time.
What injuries are common in head-on crashes?
Because the combined speed of both vehicles is involved, occupants usually suffer chest, head, and leg injuries from the impact and from being thrown forward or against the interior of the vehicle.
What typically causes head-on collisions?
Common factors include a driver crossing the centerline due to distraction, fatigue, impairment, passing unsafely, or losing control on a curve or slick roadway.
Why are head-on crashes so severe?
The combined closing speed of two vehicles traveling toward each other multiplies the force of impact compared to a crash where one vehicle is stopped or moving in the same direction.
What to Do After a Head-On Crash in Cadiz, Wisconsin
If you're involved in or witness a head-on crash, call 911 immediately and stay in a safe location away from traffic if possible. Even if injuries seem minor at first, seek a medical evaluation, since some injuries from a high-impact collision aren't immediately obvious.
Cooperate with responding deputies or troopers and provide a clear account of what you saw. If you're a passenger or bystander, avoid moving an injured person unless there's an immediate danger, and wait for emergency crews. Keep any documentation, including photos of the scene, in case they're needed later for insurance or investigative purposes.
