Moss Landing, CA (May 3, 2026) – A devastating multi-vehicle crash along Highway 1 near Moss Landing claimed the lives of three people late Saturday night in Monterey County.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 10:18 p.m. on State Route 1 north of Springfield Road. Authorities say a GMC pickup truck traveling southbound crossed over the double yellow lines and sideswiped a northbound Ford pickup before continuing in the wrong lane.
Moments later, the GMC collided head-on with a Honda sedan traveling behind the Ford. The Honda carried three occupants, all of whom sustained severe injuries and were transported to a hospital, where they later died.
The Ford pickup had four occupants. One 58-year-old woman was transported to a hospital with possible injuries, while the remaining individuals were not reported injured.
Investigators identified the GMC driver as 51-year-old David Olaeta. Authorities say he showed signs of alcohol intoxication at the scene. He was taken to a hospital with serious injuries and later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He now faces multiple charges, including DUI causing injury and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
The identities of the three victims have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. The crash remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
What Are the Dangers of Wrong-Way and DUI-Related Crashes?
Wrong-way crashes are among the most dangerous types of roadway incidents recorded in California, primarily because they lead to high-speed, head-on collisions where the combined force of both vehicles is absorbed in a single impact. When a driver enters opposing traffic lanes, other motorists may have only a fraction of a second to react, leaving little opportunity to brake or maneuver before a catastrophic collision occurs. The California Department of Transportation has identified wrong-way driving as a persistent safety concern on the state’s freeway network, where vehicles regularly travel at speeds of 65 miles per hour or more, and the National Transportation Safety Board estimates that wrong-way crashes result in fatality rates significantly higher than most other collision types.
Alcohol impairment significantly raises the risk of wrong-way entry by affecting judgment, reaction time, and the ability to process visual information such as lane markings, directional signs, and oncoming headlights. Drivers under the influence may fail to recognize one-way signage, exit-only ramps, or the presence of oncoming traffic until it is far too late to correct course.
These crashes often involve multiple vehicles and frequently claim the lives of innocent drivers who were traveling lawfully and had no opportunity to avoid the collision. Preventing impaired driving through public awareness, consistent law enforcement, sobriety checkpoints, and the promotion of designated driver programs remains one of the most effective tools available for reducing these tragedies on California roads.
