Dalhart, TX (August 7, 2026) – A two-vehicle collision north of Dalhart on Wednesday afternoon claimed the life of a 24-year-old man and left two others with serious injuries.
The collision happened at about 1:45 p.m. on August 5, along US 385 roughly two miles north of Dalhart in Dallam County. Investigators said a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado was leaving a private driveway and attempting to turn south onto the highway when it failed to yield to a northbound 2021 Mack cement truck. Because the Silverado driver was identified as failing to yield, this article does not attribute fault beyond the confirmed findings.
Mauricio Montes De Oca, 24, of Dalhart, died at the roadway from injuries received in the collision. Investigators said he was not wearing a seat belt. A passenger in the pickup, Chance Massey, 32, of Clayton, New Mexico, was flown to Northwest Texas Healthcare System in Amarillo after being seriously hurt. He also was not wearing a seat belt.
The cement truck driver, Rudolph Martinez, 61, of Dalhart, was airlifted to the same hospital with serious injuries. Investigators said Martinez was wearing a seat belt. US 385 remained closed in both directions for a period following the collision, with traffic diverted to State Spur 17 and State Spur 24. The cause of the collision remains under review as investigators continue gathering information.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mauricio Montes De Oca.
Why Right-of-Way Matters at Driveway Entrances Onto Highways
Entering a highway from a private driveway requires drivers to wait until the roadway is clear before merging into traffic. Vehicles already traveling on the highway generally have the right of way because they are moving at higher speeds and have less time to react to a vehicle entering their path.
Many serious roadway collisions occur when drivers misjudge the speed or distance of approaching traffic. Seat belt use also remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of fatal or life-threatening injuries during a violent roadway collision. After a major highway collision, investigators usually examine vehicle positions, roadway markings, witness statements, physical evidence, and other available information to determine how the sequence of events unfolded.
