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PASADENA, Los Angeles County, Calif., Sept. 23, 2026 — Two vehicles collided on Tuesday morning, September 22, on the westbound I-210 on-ramp from North Altadena Drive, according to the California Highway Patrol. One vehicle was left blocking a lane of the ramp.
The collision was reported shortly before 6:31 a.m. near the Altadena on-ramp to westbound I-210. A caller involved in the crash, driving a gray Honda Civic, told dispatchers the vehicle was struck from behind and hit its head, the report said. It was not immediately confirmed whether the vehicle involved could still be driven, per the CHP log.
An ambulance was dispatched to the scene, and the CHP said the incident was reclassified from a collision with unknown injuries to one with medical personnel en route, an update that came shortly before 6:42 a.m. The extent of any injuries has not been released.
Fire personnel and CHP units responded to the ramp area, and lane blockage was reported at the scene. No further details on the vehicles involved or the cause of the crash have been made public.
The California Highway Patrol has not said whether the collision remains under investigation or if citations are expected. Authorities have not released additional information as of this report.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
A Common Misconception About Rear-End Crashes on Freeway Ramps
Many drivers assume that a rear-end crash on a ramp or an on-ramp merge lane is a minor, low-speed event because traffic is often slowing or merging in that stretch. The evidence does not support treating these as automatically low-risk. Speed differentials at merge points can still be high, and a driver stopped or slowing on a ramp can be struck hard enough to cause a real head or neck injury, as this crash's report of a driver saying they were hit from behind and struck their head illustrates in general terms.
Passenger cars make up the overwhelming majority of vehicles on the road, so most rear-end crashes involve one passenger vehicle striking another. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, passenger vehicles made up 92 percent of registered vehicles and 89 percent of vehicle miles traveled in 2023. That means the typical rear-end crash on a ramp or freeway is not a rare encounter with a large truck or commercial vehicle. It is usually one ordinary car hitting another.
The misconception that ramps are "too slow" to produce serious injury also overlooks how sudden the stop-and-go can be. A vehicle merging onto a freeway may brake abruptly for traffic ahead, leaving little time for a following driver to react.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is distracted driving a factor in rear-end crashes?
A driver who is texting, eating, or otherwise not watching traffic ahead has less time to notice slowing or stopped vehicles, which is a common cause of rear-end impacts, especially in merge zones and on-ramps.
How do road and weather conditions affect crashes like this one?
Wet pavement, glare, or reduced visibility can increase stopping distances and make it harder for a trailing driver to react to sudden braking, raising the chance of a rear-end collision.
What should someone do immediately after a car accident?
Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, call 911, and exchange information with the other driver. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is recommended, as some symptoms may not appear for some time.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Pasadena, CA
If you're involved in a crash on a freeway ramp or on-ramp in Pasadena, try to move to the shoulder if your vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so. Turn on hazard lights and call 911 to report the collision and any injuries. Even if you feel fine, a follow-up visit with a doctor is worth it, since injuries to the head or neck can cause symptoms that don't show up right away. Take photos of the scene if you're able, and get contact and insurance information from everyone involved. Reporting the crash to your insurer promptly helps keep the process moving smoothly.
