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CHEEKTOWAGA, Erie County, N.Y., Oct. 14, 2026 — Three people were hurt Tuesday morning, October 13, when three vehicles collided at Harlem Road and Clinton Street in Cheektowaga, according to a dispatch report. The crash prompted a brief traffic alert urging drivers to avoid the intersection.
Emergency dispatchers reported three patients and requested three ambulances to respond to the scene, radio traffic showed. The extent of the injuries has not been released.
Responders worked to clear the intersection while advising motorists to slow down and use caution in the area. It remains unclear which, if any, vehicles were disabled or required towing.
No further details on the cause of the crash or the vehicles involved have been released.
The investigation into how the three vehicles collided is ongoing. We wish those injured a full recovery.
When Multi-Vehicle Pileups Are Most Likely to Happen
Chain-reaction crashes involving three or more vehicles tend to cluster around the times when traffic is densest and reaction time is shortest. Morning and evening commutes push more cars through intersections in a short window, so a single sudden stop can ripple backward through several vehicles before anyone has time to react.
Weather and light also play a role. Wet pavement, glare from a low morning sun, or an evening commute after dark all cut down the margin a driver has to stop safely. Fatigue and distraction add to the risk at these same hours, since drivers are often rushing to get somewhere on a schedule.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor-vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023. That figure is a reminder that the people most exposed in any multi-vehicle crash are often not inside the striking vehicle at all, but nearby on foot, on a bike, or in a smaller car caught between larger ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes a multi-vehicle pile-up?
Most chain-reaction crashes start with one vehicle stopping or slowing suddenly, often due to traffic, a hazard, or another collision, and the vehicles behind it do not have enough space or time to stop.
How can drivers avoid getting caught in one?
Leaving extra following distance, especially near busy intersections or in poor weather, gives a driver more time to react if traffic ahead stops unexpectedly.
What should I do if I'm stopped near a crash on a busy road?
Turn on hazard lights, stay in the vehicle if it's safe to do so, and move as far from traffic lanes as possible while waiting for help to arrive.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Cheektowaga, NY
Anyone involved in a multi-vehicle crash should first check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries such as whiplash or internal bruising don't show symptoms right away.
Exchange information with the other drivers involved and, if possible, take photos of the vehicles and the scene before traffic is cleared. Filing a police report ensures there is an official record of what happened, which can matter later for insurance or medical follow-up. Residents in Cheektowaga dealing with the aftermath of a crash should also keep copies of any medical records or repair estimates in case questions arise down the road.
