CITY OF DUBOIS, Clearfield County, Pa., Oct. 4, 2026 — Two vehicles collided at a traffic light in the City of DuBois on Friday afternoon, October 2, leaving at least one person injured. The crash happened at the intersection of West Long Avenue and South Brady Street.
The call came in just before 1 p.m. Dispatchers logged it as a motor vehicle accident with injuries involving two vehicles stopped at the signal on West Long Avenue.
DuBois Fire Department crews responded to the scene, including DuBois Truck Co. 72 and Fourth Ward Hose Company #4. Records show the department's chief called for the box to be made available roughly 15 minutes after the initial dispatch, a step tied to resource staging rather than an escalation of the scene itself.
The extent of the injuries has not been released. The crash remains under review, and further details on cause or contributing factors have not been made public.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
What Makes an Intersection Crash at a Traffic Light So Damaging
Crashes at signalized intersections usually involve vehicles moving on intersecting paths, which means the force of impact can strike a car's side or corner rather than its front or rear. Side structures generally have less crush space to absorb a hit than the front and rear of a vehicle, so even moderate speeds can transfer more force into the cabin.
Weather and road surface play a role in how these crashes unfold, too. Wet or icy pavement extends the distance a vehicle needs to stop, and a driver approaching a yellow or recently changed light may misjudge whether they can stop in time. Reduced visibility, whether from rain, glare, or darkness, can delay a driver's reaction to a changing signal or another vehicle already in the intersection.
Closing speed between two vehicles approaching from different directions determines much of the outcome. Even a modest speed difference can multiply the energy involved in a crash, and the angle of impact usually determines which occupants and which parts of the vehicle absorb the brunt of the collision.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, passenger vehicles made up 92 percent of registered vehicles and 89 percent of vehicle miles traveled in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with the other driver and document the scene with photos if you're able to do so safely.
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur at intersections, where vehicles cross paths or turn across oncoming traffic. Traffic signals reduce but don't eliminate that risk.
How can drivers lower the chances of an intersection collision?
Slowing down as a light changes, checking cross traffic before proceeding on green, and leaving extra stopping distance in poor weather all help avoid last-second decisions at intersections.
What injuries are common in intersection crashes?
Neck and back strain, head injuries, and broken bones are frequently reported, particularly when a vehicle is struck from the side.
What to Do After a Car Accident in City of DuBois, PA
If you're involved in a crash in DuBois, start by checking yourself and any passengers for injuries, then move to a safe spot away from traffic if you're able. Call 911 so officers and medics can respond and file an official report. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries from a sudden impact don't show symptoms right away. Keep a copy of the police report and any medical records for your own files, and follow up with your insurance company once you're clear of the scene.
