FOSTER CITY, San Mateo County, Calif., Oct. 15, 2026 — A sport utility vehicle and a big rig collided on Tuesday evening, October 13, on the eastbound Highway 92 off-ramp near Foster City, according to the California Highway Patrol. At least one person was hurt badly enough that paramedics were called to the scene.
The crash involved a green Toyota 4Runner and a white tractor-trailer. It happened on the off-ramp near Metro Center Boulevard, close to a child care facility, shortly after 5:18 p.m.
Emergency crews requested an ambulance for an injury a few minutes later, and fire personnel responded to the scene. San Mateo County units were also asked to stage nearby as the response continued. A separate note in the log says fire personnel asked a person at the scene, believed to be the reporting party, to leave a firearm in their vehicle while they were checked out, though it's unclear if anyone was hurt by a weapon or if this was a precaution unrelated to the crash itself.
The extent of injuries has not been released, and the circumstances that led to the collision remain under investigation. It's not yet known which vehicle, if either, bore responsibility, and the CHP has not said whether any citations will be issued.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
When Big Rig and SUV Crashes Are Most Likely to Happen
Collisions between passenger vehicles and large trucks tend to cluster around the evening commute, when traffic volume peaks and drivers are tired from a full day on the road. Visibility starts to drop as the sun sets, and merging points like freeway on-ramps and off-ramps become higher-risk spots because speed differences between vehicles are greatest there.
Big rigs take longer to slow down and have larger blind spots than passenger cars, so sudden braking or lane changes near interchanges can catch truck drivers off guard. Weekday rush hours, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, see more of these crashes than weekends, simply because commercial truck traffic is heavier on those days.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4 percent of large-truck drivers involved in fatal crashes had blood alcohol concentrations of .08 g/dL or higher in 2023. That figure suggests impairment plays a smaller role in truck-involved crashes than fatigue, distraction, or the mechanics of merging in heavy traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do weather and road conditions affect the risk of a crash like this?
Wet pavement, fog, and low light all reduce how quickly a driver can react, especially near on-ramps and off-ramps where vehicles are changing speed. Truck drivers need more distance to stop safely, so any reduction in visibility or traction raises the stakes for everyone nearby.
What should someone do right after a crash involving a big rig?
Move to a safe location if possible, call 911, and wait for law enforcement to document the scene. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries from a vehicle collision don't show symptoms right away.
Where do most car-versus-truck crashes tend to occur?
Interchanges, on-ramps, and off-ramps see a disproportionate number of these collisions because that's where speed differences and merging maneuvers are most common. Highway segments near commercial centers or distribution routes also see elevated truck traffic.
What to Do After a Big Rig Crash in Foster City, CA
If you're involved in a crash with a commercial truck, try to stay calm and check yourself and any passengers for injuries before moving. Call 911 right away so officers and medical responders can reach the scene, and let paramedics evaluate anyone who was in either vehicle, even if they feel fine at first.
Take photos if it's safe to do so, and get contact information for any witnesses nearby. Afterward, follow up with a doctor for a full checkup, since impacts involving large trucks can cause injuries that take a day or two to become noticeable.
