Montgomery County, KS (May 1, 2026) – A Topeka woman was injured Thursday afternoon following a two-vehicle collision in southeast Kansas.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 1:00 p.m. on US-169 just north of Montgomery County Road 6000, approximately six miles north of Cherryvale. Authorities say a 2022 Dodge Ram pickup truck was traveling southbound when it pulled onto the shoulder and attempted to make a U-turn.
During the maneuver, the pickup collided with a 2023 Western semitrailer that was also traveling southbound on the highway.
The driver of the pickup, identified as 44-year-old Stephanie L. Dorsey of Topeka, was transported to Labette Health in Parsons for treatment of suspected minor injuries. The semi-truck driver, 41-year-old Adam R. Odegard of Winfield, was not injured. Officials confirmed that both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
The incident caused temporary disruptions along US-169 as crews responded and cleared the scene. No further details have been released, and the crash remains under investigation.
We hope for a full recovery for the injured driver.
Why Are U-Turn Maneuvers on Highways Especially Risky?
Making a U-turn on a highway can be particularly dangerous due to the speed and flow of traffic. Vehicles traveling at higher speeds may not have enough time to react when another driver suddenly turns across lanes or re-enters the roadway from the shoulder.
These maneuvers often require crossing multiple lanes of traffic, increasing the chance of a collision if timing or visibility is misjudged. Larger vehicles, such as semitrailers, also require longer distances to slow down or stop, which can make avoiding a crash even more difficult.
Drivers should only attempt U-turns in designated areas where visibility is clear and traffic conditions allow for safe movement. Exercising caution and patience can help prevent serious accidents on busy roadways.
