MCFARLAND, Kern County, Calif., Sept. 17, 2026 — A hit-and-run crash left occupants of a Honda CRV injured early Thursday morning, September 17, on southbound State Route 99 near Sherwood Avenue, according to authorities.
The California Highway Patrol said a pale-colored Honda CRV was reportedly sideswiped by another vehicle whose driver has not been identified. The impact reportedly pushed the CRV into the center divider before it went off the roadway onto the right shoulder. The striking vehicle did not stop.
Occupants remained inside the CRV following the crash, and a caller requested medical help for them, according to dispatch records. What began as a report of a hit-and-run with no injuries was later upgraded by the CHP to a hit-and-run with injuries.
The vehicle was towed from the scene, authorities said.
The search for the vehicle and driver involved in the hit-and-run remains under investigation. We hope those injured recover fully.
When Hit-and-Run Crashes Are Most Likely to Happen
Early morning hours, particularly the stretch before sunrise, bring a mix of conditions that make crashes harder to avoid and easier to flee. Traffic thins out, speeds tend to rise, and darkness limits how quickly a driver can react to a vehicle drifting into their lane. Fatigue is common at this hour too, among both commercial drivers starting long hauls and passenger vehicle drivers heading to early shifts.
Highways like SR-99 see a steady flow of overnight traffic, and low light makes it harder for witnesses or cameras to capture identifying details on a fleeing vehicle. That difficulty is part of why hit-and-run cases often take longer to resolve than other crash investigations.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, one in four pedestrian injuries occurred in hit-and-run crashes in 2023. While this incident involved two vehicles instead of a pedestrian, the broader pattern holds: drivers who cause a crash in low-visibility, low-traffic conditions may calculate, wrongly, that leaving the scene carries less risk of being caught.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is distracted driving so dangerous?
Taking eyes or attention off the road for even a few seconds at highway speed can mean traveling the length of a football field without full awareness of surrounding vehicles, leaving little time to react to a lane change or sudden slowdown.
How do weather and road conditions contribute to crashes?
Wet pavement, fog, glare, and debris all reduce traction and visibility, and drivers who don't adjust their speed or following distance for those conditions are more likely to lose control or collide with another vehicle.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, call 911, and exchange information with other drivers involved. If another vehicle leaves the scene, try to note its color, make, and any partial plate details for authorities.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in McFarland, California
If you're involved in a hit-and-run, try to stay calm and get yourself and any passengers to safety first. Call 911 right away and report what you observed about the other vehicle, even small details can help investigators later. Seek a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms from a collision don't appear until hours afterward. Keep a copy of the CHP incident report for your records, and follow up with the investigating agency if you remember additional details about the other driver or vehicle.
