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COLTON, San Bernardino County, Calif., Oct. 10, 2026 — A semi truck jackknifed in a crash with at least one other vehicle early on Friday morning, October 9, on I-215 north of Washington St in Colton. Injuries were reported, though the extent was not disclosed.
The California Highway Patrol's traffic log describes a crash involving a semi and a passenger car, with a pickup truck also reported at the scene. The semi reportedly jackknifed, and its trailer, carrying roughly 200 gallons of water, came to rest on the shoulder. All parties involved were reported out of their vehicles.
The crash blocked the number 1 and number 2 lanes for a time, and the CHP issued a traffic break of about 30 minutes to manage the backup. A tow truck was requested for a pickup truck at the scene, and additional cleanup crews were called in after officials noted oil leaking into the number 2 lane. By just before 1 a.m., traffic was reported flowing again, though the HOV lane and number 1 lane remained blocked.
The California Highway Patrol has not released the ages or hometowns of those involved, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
When Multi-Vehicle Highway Crashes Happen Most Commonly
Crashes involving semis and passenger vehicles on interstates tend to cluster in the overnight and early morning hours, when truck traffic is heaviest and commuter volume is low. Fewer cars on the road can mean higher speeds, and semis moving at highway speed need far more distance to slow down or stop than a passenger car.
Visibility plays a role too. Darkness makes it harder for drivers to judge the speed and position of a large truck ahead, especially if lighting is poor or a vehicle is partially stopped in a travel lane. Fatigue is also more common in the late-night and pre-dawn window, affecting commercial drivers on long hauls and commuters alike.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 23,959 passenger-vehicle occupants were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. Overnight highway crashes involving large trucks are a recurring part of that toll, usually tied to the reduced visibility and lane-blocking hazards that come with nighttime incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers and avoid discussing fault at the scene. Photograph the vehicles, the road, and any visible damage before vehicles are moved or towed.
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
Many crashes cluster on highways and major arterial roads, particularly near interchanges, merge points, and areas with heavy truck traffic. Nighttime and early morning hours see a notable share of serious highway crashes.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Maintaining a safe following distance, especially behind large trucks, and staying alert during low-traffic overnight hours can help. Reducing speed in poor visibility and avoiding distractions also lowers the chance of a multi-vehicle crash.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Whiplash, back and neck strain, and bruising from seatbelts or airbags are common. More serious crashes can cause broken bones, head injuries, or internal injuries, particularly when a passenger vehicle collides with a much heavier truck.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Colton, CA
If you're involved in a crash on a highway in Colton, stay inside your vehicle if it's unsafe to exit, and move only if you can reach a safe shoulder or breakdown area. Call 911 and report your location clearly, including nearby mile markers or exits, since traffic incident responders rely on precise locations to dispatch tow trucks and clear lanes.
Even if you feel fine, seek a medical evaluation soon after the crash. Some injuries, including concussions and soft-tissue damage, don't show symptoms right away. Keep a copy of the CHP incident report and any medical records in case you need them for insurance purposes later.
