Santa Maria, CA (September 6, 2026) – An injury collision involving a 12-year-old boy and a black full-size van was reported at Goodwin Road and State Route 135 at about 5:18 p.m. on Friday, September 4.
The California Highway Patrol log classified the call as a hit-and-run with injuries. The reporting party told dispatch that their 12-year-old son had been involved with the van. The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation.
We hope the boy recovers fully.
Highway Intersections Require Attention to Several Traffic Movements
Where a state highway meets a local road, drivers may encounter vehicles entering, crossing, turning, or continuing through the junction; those movements can create several potential conflict points within a relatively small stretch of roadway.
Differences in vehicle size can also affect visibility. Full-size vans have larger bodies that may create blind spots around the front, sides, and rear, while smaller road users or vehicles can be harder to notice from certain positions.
Traffic speed, sight distance, lane width, and turning angles can further influence how much time drivers have to recognize a developing conflict. Maintaining adequate space and scanning the entire intersection before proceeding can provide additional time to react when another road user enters the travel path.
