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MOUNT WILSON, Los Angeles County, Calif., Sept. 28, 2026 — A crash involving two vehicles and a motorcycle shut down northbound lanes of Angeles Crest Highway near Mount Wilson Red Box Road on Sunday evening, September 27, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol said the collision was reported shortly before 7 p.m. near mile marker 38, about a half mile before Mount Wilson. Units on scene described a white Mercedes involved along with a motorcycle, with front-end damage reported to one vehicle. Northbound lanes were closed while responders moved vehicles out of traffic.
Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel requested a helicopter to assist, and a crew launched for a search and rescue response tied to the crash scene. The aircraft was directed to a landing zone near mile marker 37.5, close to a turnout, while ground units continued managing the roadway. The extent of any injuries has not been released.
Tow crews were called to clear the scene. One tow was requested for the motorcycle, and a second vehicle, described as a Mercedes with front axle damage, also required towing. Units later escorted a tow truck down the mountain to complete the road closure procedures. Roadways were reported clear later that night.
The crash remains under investigation. We wish those injured a full recovery.
What the Numbers Show About Motorcycle Crash Trends in California
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, motorcycle fatalities decreased from 649 in 2022 to 583 in 2023. That drop suggests some improvement in rider survival or crash prevention, but it still means hundreds of people lost their lives on motorcycles in a single year across the state.
Multi-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle, like the one reported near Mount Wilson, often result in a different injury pattern than crashes between two passenger cars. Riders have no frame or airbags around them, so even a low-speed collision can throw a rider from the bike or into another vehicle's path. That is part of why agencies frequently call for air support in mountain or canyon settings, where ground transport to a trauma center can take much longer.
Terrain matters too. Winding mountain routes such as Angeles Crest Highway combine blind curves, narrow shoulders, and steep drop-offs, conditions that can turn a routine mechanical failure or misjudged turn into a multi-vehicle incident. Response times and helicopter staging, as seen in this case, are shaped directly by that terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do left-turning vehicles cause motorcycle collisions?
A common pattern nationally is a car turning left across an intersection or lane misjudging a motorcycle's speed or distance, resulting in a collision as the bike continues through. Riders are smaller and can be harder to spot than a car or truck.
What can drivers do to watch for motorcycles?
Checking mirrors and blind spots twice, allowing extra following distance, and treating a motorcycle's turn signal as a possible move-in-progress instead of a certainty all help drivers register a rider's presence before it becomes a hazard.
What should a rider do after a motorcycle crash?
Get to a safe area away from traffic if possible, call 911, and seek a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask pain from fractures or internal injuries in the first hours after a crash.
Are motorcycle crashes more common at intersections?
Yes. National crash data consistently shows intersections, including turning movements, as a frequent setting for car-motorcycle collisions, compared with open-road crashes involving only motorcycles.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Mount Wilson, CA
If you're involved in or witness a motorcycle crash in an area like Mount Wilson, move to safety if you're able and call 911 right away. Mountain roads can have limited cell service and slow response times, so give dispatchers a clear location, including mile markers if you can see one.
Anyone involved should seek medical care even without obvious injuries, since some injuries from a motorcycle crash take hours to become apparent. Keep records of any treatment and follow up with a doctor if symptoms like pain, swelling, or headaches develop later. If a report was filed with the CHP, you can typically request a copy once it's been processed.
