Rochester, NY (July 1, 2026) – Four people were hurt in a two-vehicle wreck Sunday evening on US-44/State Rte 55 in the Town of Rochester. Emergency units were called to the roadway at about 6 p.m. after a pickup truck crossed the center line and struck an oncoming sedan.
Investigators said a Toyota Tacoma driven by 31-year-old Anthony P. Kats of Rochester was traveling westbound when it crossed into the eastbound lane and struck an eastbound Toyota Corolla driven by 20-year-old Dilver A. Joveldiaz of Newburgh. The pickup overturned onto its passenger side and blocked the westbound lane, while the Corolla left the roadway and came to rest on the south shoulder.
Kats, Joveldiaz, and two passengers from the Corolla were taken to Vassar Brothers Medical Center for evaluation. Medical personnel later reported that the four patients included two children and two adults, all of whom were listed in stable condition. Police also said everyone involved was wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.
Kats was issued traffic citations following the crash. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident remains active. We wish those receiving treatment a smooth and full recovery.
How Crossing the Center Line Can Lead to Serious Highway Collisions
When a vehicle crosses the center line on a two-lane highway, drivers traveling in the opposite direction often have only seconds to react. Even a brief lapse in attention or a steering error can result in a head-on or sideswipe collision, both of which can produce significant damage and serious injuries.
After this type of roadway collision, investigators commonly examine skid marks, vehicle positions, roadway conditions, and witness accounts to determine how one vehicle entered the opposing lane. They may also review mechanical factors and driver actions leading up to the crash. Seat belt use can greatly reduce the risk of severe injury by helping keep occupants securely positioned during a rollover or other violent movement inside a vehicle.
