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ELYSIAN PARK, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 12, 2026 — A wrong-way driver reportedly caused a three-vehicle crash on Sunday evening, October 11, on the northbound Interstate 5 off-ramp at Stadium Way in Elysian Park, according to the California Highway Patrol. At least one person was hurt and needed an ambulance.
The California Highway Patrol said a black Tesla was traveling the wrong way on the off-ramp when it collided with a BMW and a Honda around 5:20 p.m. The crash blocked lanes near the ramp and prompted an emergency medical response request.
Los Angeles police were also called to assist at the scene. The extent of injuries has not been released, and it is unclear how many people were in each vehicle.
It is not known what led the Tesla to enter the off-ramp against traffic. The incident remains under investigation, and no further details on potential charges or citations have been released as of this writing.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Why Wrong-Way Crashes Happen on Freeway Ramps
Wrong-way entries onto freeways and off-ramps often happen when a driver misreads signage, takes a ramp meant for exiting traffic, or turns onto a divided roadway without realizing the direction of travel has reversed. At night, with fewer cars on the road and fewer visual cues from surrounding traffic, these mistakes become easier to make and harder to correct before a crash occurs.
Impairment is one of the most consistent factors behind these crashes. A driver whose judgment or reaction time is affected may fail to notice wrong-way signs, misjudge an off-ramp for an on-ramp, or not recognize the danger until vehicles are already approaching head-on. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, alcohol-impaired drivers had a higher risk of fatal wrong-way crashes on divided highways in 2014 through 2023.
Confusion also plays a role separate from impairment: unfamiliar interchanges, construction detours, or poor lighting can send an otherwise attentive driver down the wrong path. Because these crashes tend to happen at higher closing speeds on ramps and highway segments, they often cause more serious injuries than a typical same-direction collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid turning the wrong way onto a ramp or highway?
Pay close attention to ramp signage, arrows, and "Do Not Enter" or "Wrong Way" postings, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas. If a ramp feels unusual, such as narrow lanes or a steep angle that does not match a typical on-ramp, stop and check a map before proceeding.
What should I do if I spot a car coming toward me on the wrong side of the road?
Slow down, move as far right as safely possible, and avoid sudden swerves that could put you in another lane of traffic. If possible, call 911 to report the vehicle's location, direction, and description so authorities can respond quickly.
What steps do highway agencies take to prevent wrong-way entries?
Many agencies install lowered wrong-way signs, reflective pavement markings, and, in some locations, sensors that detect wrong-way movement and either alert authorities or trigger warning signs in real time.
Is alcohol often involved in wrong-way crashes?
Yes. Impaired driving is one of the most common factors identified in wrong-way crash investigations, particularly those occurring at night.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Elysian Park, CA
If you are involved in or witness a wrong-way crash, move to a safe location if possible and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor at first, adrenaline can mask pain, so it is worth getting checked by a medical professional afterward.
Take photos of the vehicles, the roadway, and any signage if it is safe to do so, and get contact information from other drivers and witnesses. Request a copy of the official report once it becomes available, since it can help clarify what happened and support any insurance claims that follow.
