KENNESAW, Cobb County, Ga., Sept. 16, 2026 — A driver was seriously hurt in a three-vehicle crash Monday afternoon, September 14, on Hickory Grove Road at Insdale Road in the Kennesaw area, according to county police.
Authorities said a pickup truck was headed eastbound on Hickory Grove Road near Insdale Road when it reportedly crossed into the westbound lane and struck the side of a westbound sedan. The pickup then continued eastbound and struck a third vehicle, an SUV, police said. The cause of the initial lane departure has not been determined and remains under investigation.
The pickup's driver, a 41-year-old man, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, authorities said. Two juvenile passengers riding with him reported pain but were not treated at the scene, according to police. The SUV's driver, a 17-year-old male, had visible injuries but declined treatment, authorities said. The sedan's driver, a 60-year-old woman, was not injured, police said.
Cobb County police said the survivors' names are being withheld while the crash remains under investigation. The department's Selective Traffic Enforcement (STEP) Unit, which handles serious and fatal crash investigations, is leading the inquiry. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash to call them at 770-499-3987.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
What the Numbers Say About Multi-Vehicle Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 6,138,359 police-reported traffic crashes occurred in 2023. Multi-vehicle collisions, where a single vehicle crosses into oncoming or adjacent lanes and strikes more than one other car, make up a meaningful share of that total, though most police-reported crashes involve only property damage or minor injury.
Crashes involving three or more vehicles tend to draw more investigative attention because the sequence of impacts is harder to reconstruct. Determining which vehicle left its lane first, and why, often requires witness statements, vehicle data, and roadway evidence.
Injury severity in these crashes also varies widely by seating position and point of impact. A driver struck broadside or hit twice in a chain reaction can face different outcomes than passengers in the same vehicle, which is part of why investigators document each vehicle and occupant separately before drawing conclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic crashes happen?
Most crashes occur on local and suburban roads, often near intersections where vehicles cross paths or turn across oncoming traffic.
What can drivers do to stay safer on the road?
Maintaining lane position, avoiding distraction, and slowing down near intersections are among the most consistent factors in avoiding a crash, according to traffic safety research.
What injuries commonly result from car accidents?
Common injuries include whiplash, fractures, and head or chest trauma from impact with the interior of the vehicle, ranging from minor to serious depending on crash speed and angle.
What usually causes car accidents?
Distraction, unsafe lane changes, speeding, and impaired driving are frequently cited causes, though a specific cause is only confirmed after police complete their investigation.
What to Do After a Car Crash in Kennesaw, GA
If you're involved in a crash in Kennesaw, move to a safe location if possible and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries, like concussions or internal bruising, aren't obvious right away.
It's important that you stay at the scene until police arrive and provide a statement, and get the responding officer's name and report number for your records. Take photos of the vehicles and the road if you're able to safely do so. If you saw the crash happen or have information that could help investigators, contact the police department listed in their public report.