REDWOOD CITY, San Mateo County, Calif., Sept. 22, 2026 — Three vehicles collided on Monday afternoon, September 21, on southbound US-101 just north of the Woodside Road off-ramp in Redwood City, according to the California Highway Patrol. At least one person suffered injuries described as minor, the agency said.
The California Highway Patrol initially logged the crash as a minor-injury collision. Units on scene reported a passenger vehicle, a van, and a sport utility vehicle involved, with a lane blocked as the wreckage sat on the right shoulder area of the slow lane. The report indicates a vehicle came to rest occupied on its own, though further details of the crash sequence have not been confirmed. The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office was also referenced in dispatch logs, though its precise role was not specified.
Tow truck crews were called to the scene to remove the vehicles, and traffic was affected in the area as crews worked to clear the lane. No further details on the cause of the crash have been released. The California Highway Patrol has not indicated whether the collision remains under investigation.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
What Actually Cuts Down on Multi-Vehicle Freeway Crashes
Crashes involving three or more vehicles on a freeway often start with a single lapse in attention rather than a mechanical failure. When a driver glances at a phone or a dashboard screen for even a couple of seconds, the vehicles ahead can slow or stop well before the driver looks back up. That gap in reaction time is often what turns a single fender-bender into a chain reaction involving several cars.
Engineering has made real progress on this front. Better lighting near interchanges, clearer lane striping approaching off-ramps, and metering lights that smooth the flow of merging traffic all give drivers more time to notice trouble ahead. Rumble strips and improved signage near ramps like the one involved in this incident also reduce sudden braking that often triggers pileups.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 6,138,359 police-reported traffic crashes occurred in 2023. Behavioral programs that target distracted driving, when paired with these road design changes, are generally considered the most effective way to reduce that number over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does speed affect how bad a crash is?
Higher speed means more distance needed to stop and more force at the moment of impact. Even a modest reduction in speed near ramps and merge points can shorten stopping distance enough to avoid a collision or lessen its severity.
Why is distracted driving so risky?
Any glance away from the road, whether at a phone, a screen, or something outside the vehicle, removes the driver's ability to see traffic slowing or stopping ahead. That lost reaction time is often the difference between braking safely and colliding with the vehicle in front.
Do weather and road conditions play a role in crashes like this?
Wet or slick pavement, glare, and reduced visibility all extend stopping distances and make it harder for drivers to judge the space between vehicles. Even on a clear day, uneven pavement or debris near an off-ramp can contribute to a loss of control.
What should someone do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers, take photos of the scene if it's safe to do so, and seek a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor at first.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Redwood City, CA
Anyone involved in a crash in Redwood City should prioritize safety: move out of traffic if the vehicle is drivable, turn on the hazard lights, and wait for help in a secure spot away from moving traffic. Even if injuries feel minor at the scene, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bruising, don't show symptoms right away.
It also helps to document the scene with photos, gather contact information from other drivers and witnesses, and request a copy of the official crash report once it's available. Promptly following up with your insurance provider can make the claims process smoother in the days after the incident.
