LOS BANOS, Merced County, Calif., Oct. 3, 2026 — A semi-truck and a car collided early on Friday morning, October 2, on Highway 165 at Mercey Springs Road in Los Banos, authorities said. The crash left at least one person with serious injuries.
The California Highway Patrol said the collision was reported at about 3:26 a.m. Few other details have been released.
The extent of injuries to those involved has not been made public. It is not yet known how many people were in each vehicle or whether the roadway was closed while crews responded.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. No cause has been confirmed, and officials have not said whether any citations are expected.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Large-Truck Crashes and the Weekday Pattern
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 76 percent of fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred on weekdays in 2023. That figure reflects when trucks are actually on the road: most commercial freight moves Monday through Friday, so exposure to passenger vehicles is highest during the work week, including the overnight and early morning hours when long-haul drivers are usually still moving freight to meet delivery schedules.
The early morning hours carry their own risks. Traffic volumes are lower, but fatigue among drivers, reduced visibility, and higher speeds on open highway stretches all play a role in crashes that happen between midnight and sunrise.
Crashes involving a semi-truck and a passenger car tend to produce more severe injuries to the car's occupants, given the difference in size and weight between the vehicles. That imbalance is a major reason crash investigators look closely at speed, lane position, and following distance in the moments before impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are a truck's blind spots, and why do they matter?
Semi-trucks have large blind spots along both sides, directly behind the trailer, and immediately in front of the cab. Cars that linger in these zones may not be visible to the truck driver, which can contribute to lane-change and merging collisions.
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partially or fully beneath a truck's trailer during a collision, usually in a rear-end or side-impact scenario. These crashes can cause severe injuries because the car's safety structures are not built to absorb impact at that height.
What typically causes large-truck accidents?
Common factors include driver fatigue, following distance, speed relative to conditions, mechanical issues such as brake failure, and reduced visibility at night or in poor weather. Investigators usually review multiple factors rather than a single cause.
How can drivers share the road safely with trucks?
Staying out of a truck's blind spots, keeping a safe following distance, and giving trucks extra room to brake or turn all reduce risk. Trucks need more distance to stop and more room to maneuver than passenger vehicles.
What to Do After a Semi-Truck Crash in Los Banos, CA
Anyone involved in a crash with a commercial truck should first check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Even if injuries seem minor at the scene, it's worth getting a medical evaluation afterward, since some injuries, like whiplash or internal bruising, aren't immediately obvious.
If it's safe to do so, take photos of the vehicles, the roadway, and any visible damage, and get contact information from witnesses. Request a copy of the official crash report from the responding agency once it's available.
Los Banos residents dealing with the aftermath of a truck collision should also keep records of any medical visits, missed work, and vehicle repair estimates, as these documents can matter later regardless of how the case proceeds.
