Available 
Riverside, CA (September 7, 2026) – One man died and two other drivers were hurt Sunday morning, September 6, after a wrong-way vehicle collided head-on with two other cars on the 91 Freeway in Riverside, authorities said. The crash happened east of University Avenue and involved three vehicles.
According to authorities, a Ford Flex was traveling westbound in the eastbound carpool lane of the 91 at around 9:30 a.m. when it struck a Honda Civic head-on. The Ford then collided with a Toyota Corolla, and the Honda was pushed into the center divider following the initial impact, officials said.
All three drivers were taken to hospitals, according to the California Highway Patrol. The driver of the Ford, identified by the coroner’s office as a 59-year-old Moreno Valley man, later died from his injuries. The drivers of the two sedans sustained injuries that officials described as ranging from minor to major.
Authorities said it remains unclear whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. The incident is still under investigation, and no further details have been released.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
When Wrong-Way Crashes Are Most Likely to Happen
Wrong-way crashes cluster at unexpected hours, often overnight or in the early morning when traffic is lighter and a confused or impaired driver has more room to travel far before meeting oncoming vehicles. Weekend nights and the hours just before dawn see a disproportionate share of these events, partly because that is when impaired driving is more common and partly because road signage and lighting are harder to read in the dark.
Fatigue and disorientation also factor in outside of nighttime hours. Drivers who are lost, distracted, or unfamiliar with an interchange can enter a freeway against traffic during daylight commute periods too, as this Sunday morning crash shows. Carpool lanes and freeway on-ramps designed with limited entry points can add confusion for a driver who misses the correct approach.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the annual number of fatal wrong-way crashes on divided highways increased from 278 in 2014 to 520 in 2023. That rise spans all times of day and underscores that these crashes are not confined to any single hour or season, even though risk factors shift depending on when they occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does alcohol play a role in wrong-way crashes?
Impairment is a common factor in many wrong-way crashes nationally, though investigators must confirm it through toxicology and other evidence before drawing conclusions in any specific case.
Are wrong-way crashes more common on certain types of roads?
Divided highways and freeways with limited-access ramps, including carpool lanes, see a significant share of wrong-way incidents because a driver entering incorrectly can travel long distances before encountering oncoming traffic.
Why are wrong-way crashes often so severe?
Head-on impacts combine the closing speeds of both vehicles, producing far greater force than a typical rear-end or side-impact collision, which often leads to serious or fatal injuries.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Riverside, CA
If you’re involved in or witness a wrong-way crash, call 911 immediately and move to a safe location away from traffic if possible. Even if injuries seem minor at first, seek a medical evaluation soon after, since adrenaline can mask pain from internal injuries or whiplash.
Cooperate with responding officers and provide an honest account of what you observed. If you’re a passenger or bystander, avoid speculating about cause and let investigators gather physical evidence and any available surveillance or dashcam footage. Keeping a record of medical visits and any vehicle damage can help later if insurance questions arise.
