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PERRIS, Riverside County, Calif., Oct. 26, 2026 — A head-on crash Sunday evening, October 25, left at least one driver injured on Markham Street at Day Street, the California Highway Patrol said. One driver suspected of being impaired reportedly fled the scene on foot.
The California Highway Patrol said the collision was first reported around 6:17 p.m. and involved a Toyota that came to rest facing the wrong way in the roadway. Both vehicles were reportedly blocking traffic lanes afterward, and a tow truck was requested to clear the scene.
A person who called in the crash told dispatchers that one driver was found down and bleeding from the face near the intersection. That driver was later described by investigators as a possible impaired driver who left the crash site on foot and was followed by a witness to a residence on Lane Street in Perris.
Firefighters were asked to respond toward the back of that residence as the search continued. It was not immediately clear whether the driver was taken into custody or whether anyone else was hurt in the crash. The incident remains under investigation.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Local Crash Information for Perris, CA
The crash was reported at Markham Street and Day Street in Perris. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Riverside County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid being involved in a head-on collision?
Staying alert for vehicles drifting into oncoming lanes, especially at night or near curves, and reacting early by slowing down or steering onto the shoulder can help drivers avoid a direct impact.
Where do most head-on crashes tend to happen?
These crashes are common on two-lane roads without a center barrier, particularly where drivers attempt to pass slower traffic or where impairment or fatigue causes a vehicle to cross the centerline.
Why is passing a factor in so many head-on crashes?
Passing requires a driver to briefly enter the oncoming lane, and misjudging the distance or speed of approaching traffic can turn a routine pass into a head-on impact.
Do median barriers actually prevent head-on crashes?
Physical dividers between opposing lanes keep vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic, which is why many busier roads have added them in spots with a history of head-on wrecks.
What to Do After a Head-On Crash in Perris, CA
If you're involved in a head-on crash, you should get checked by a medical provider even if injuries aren't obvious right away, since impact trauma can take hours to show symptoms. Try to move to a safe location away from traffic if possible, and call 911 to report the crash and request medical help. Exchange information with the other driver only if it's safe to do so, and take photos of the vehicles, the road, and any visible damage. Ask for a copy of the official collision report once it's filed, since it can be useful for insurance claims or any follow-up questions about what happened.
