MCFARLAND, Kern County, Calif., Oct. 6, 2026 — At least one person reported disorientation and was evaluated at the scene after a wrong-way collision on the Merced Avenue on-ramp to northbound Highway 99 sent one vehicle down an embankment early Monday morning, October 5, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A caller told dispatchers she may have been driving the wrong way on the ramp, heading south on what is meant to be a northbound entrance to Highway 99 from Merced Avenue, the CHP log shows. She reported being in a silver Nissan Murano that had sustained right-side damage, authorities said.
The California Highway Patrol said two vehicles were involved. One of them left the roadway and came to rest about 10 feet down an embankment, requiring a tow truck to pull it out, according to the dispatch log. A request for paramedics went out after a party at the scene was reported disoriented, the agency said.
McFarland police also responded and were reported handling their own towing arrangements for at least one vehicle, separate from the CHP-requested tow. The extent of injuries has not been released, and it remains unconfirmed how many people were in each vehicle at the time of the crash.
The California Highway Patrol has not released further details on the cause of the crash. The incident remains under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Where Wrong-Way Crashes on Highway Ramps Tend to Happen
Wrong-way crashes cluster at a handful of predictable spots: divided highway on-ramps and off-ramps, especially where the two look similar at night or in poor visibility, and interchanges with incomplete or confusing signage. A driver entering a ramp from the wrong direction often does not realize the mistake until headlights appear head-on or a motorist is forced onto the shoulder or down a slope to avoid impact.
These crashes are not evenly spread across all drivers. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, older drivers had a higher risk of fatal wrong-way crashes on divided highways in 2014 through 2023. Confusion about ramp direction, especially in low light or unfamiliar areas, is a recurring factor in these incidents.
Rural and small-city interchanges can be harder to navigate than they look. Fewer reflective markings, less lighting, and ramps that sit close together can make it difficult to tell an entrance from an exit, particularly for someone unfamiliar with the interchange or driving before sunrise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of day are wrong-way crashes most common?
They happen more often at night and in the early morning hours, when visibility is lowest and fewer other drivers are on the road to signal a mistake before it becomes a collision.
How can drivers avoid entering a highway the wrong way?
Slow down at unfamiliar ramps, watch for "Wrong Way" or "Do Not Enter" signs, and if a ramp feels off, stop in a safe spot.
What should I do if I see a wrong-way driver?
Move to the right lane or shoulder, slow down, and call 911 with your location and direction of travel so authorities can respond and warn other drivers.
How do highways try to prevent wrong-way entries?
Many interchanges use lowered wrong-way signs, reflective pavement arrows, and in some locations sensors that alert drivers or notify traffic centers when a vehicle enters against the flow.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in McFarland, CA
If you're involved in or witness a wrong-way crash, get to a safe location away from traffic before doing anything else. Call 911 immediately and let dispatchers know if anyone appears disoriented or injured, even if the injuries aren't obvious.
Anyone involved should get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible, since adrenaline can mask pain from impact or a fall. Keep a record of what you remember, including the time and direction of travel, since this kind of detail often matters once an investigation gets underway. Cooperate with responding officers and follow up with the agency handling the report if you need documentation later.
