QUINCY, Adams County, Ill., Sept. 16, 2026 — A three-vehicle crash near the Bayview Bridge sent two people to the hospital Tuesday evening, September 15, according to authorities. A juvenile driver was reportedly charged in connection with the crash.
Authorities said the crash happened around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 15, near Third Street close to the Bayview Bridge. Police said one vehicle attempted to cross Third Street when it collided with two other vehicles.
Two people were taken to a local hospital, according to authorities. One was transported by ambulance, and the other reportedly got there on their own.
Quincy police said a juvenile was charged with reckless driving and disregarding a traffic control device. Officers directed traffic in the area during the cleanup, authorities said. The extent of the injuries has not been released.
The circumstances leading up to the crash remain under investigation, according to authorities.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Where Multi-Vehicle Crashes at Crossings Tend to Cluster
Crashes involving several vehicles often happen where a driver has to cross through traffic. A vehicle pulling across a through street has to judge gaps in two directions at once, and a misjudged gap or a missed signal can put it in the path of vehicles that have the right of way.
Unsignalized crossings and intersections with traffic control devices that are easy to overlook, especially at dusk or in heavier evening traffic, show up often in this kind of crash. So do stretches near bridges, ramps, or river crossings, where lane patterns shift and drivers may be watching the road ahead.
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. With passenger vehicles making up the overwhelming majority of traffic, crossing maneuvers involving ordinary cars and trucks account for most of these multi-vehicle incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are most common in car accidents like this one?
Crashes involving a vehicle crossing through traffic often produce broken bones, whiplash, and head or chest injuries from side or angled impacts. Severity depends heavily on speed and where on the vehicle it was struck.
What usually causes crashes at crossings or intersections?
Common factors include misjudging the speed or distance of oncoming traffic, missing a stop sign or signal, and reduced visibility at dusk or night. Distraction and unfamiliarity with an intersection also play a role.
How much does speed change the outcome of a crash?
Higher speed increases both the force of impact and the distance needed to stop or avoid a collision. Even a modest increase in speed can turn a minor collision into one involving serious injury.
Why is distracted driving a factor in these crashes?
A driver who glances at a phone or dashboard for even a couple of seconds can miss a stop sign, a signal, or an oncoming vehicle, especially at a crossing where timing matters most.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Quincy, Illinois
If you're involved in a crash near a busy crossing or bridge approach, move to a safe location if possible and call 911. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional, since injuries like whiplash or internal bruising aren't always obvious right away.
Exchange information with the other drivers involved and cooperate with responding officers, but avoid speculating about who was at fault. Take photos of the scene if you're able, and follow up with your insurance company promptly. If a police report is filed, request a copy for your records once it's available.
