ROCHESTER, Monroe County, N.Y., Sept. 17, 2026 — A crash with injuries closed in on the intersection of Clifford Avenue and North Goodman Street late on Wednesday night, September 16, according to authorities. Emergency medical crews responded to the scene with an advanced life support unit dispatched under emergent conditions.
The police logged the call shortly before midnight, at 11:44 p.m., as a motor vehicle accident with injuries. The dispatch designation of "ALS emergent" indicates paramedics were sent to treat injuries considered serious enough to need advanced care, though the number of people hurt and the extent of their injuries have not been released.
Responders remained on scene in the area of Clifford Avenue and North Goodman Street following the crash. It is not yet known how many vehicles were involved or what led up to the collision.
The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation. Detectives have not released additional details about the drivers, vehicles, or possible cause.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
What Determines How Hard a Car Crash Hits
Speed does more than raise the odds of a crash happening. It changes what happens the moment two vehicles meet. Crash energy increases with the square of speed, so a modest jump in how fast a vehicle is moving translates into a much bigger jump in the force that has to go somewhere when it stops suddenly.
At an intersection, that force usually depends on the angle of impact and the closing speed between the two vehicles, meaning how fast they are approaching each other combined. A vehicle's front and rear ends are built with crumple zones designed to absorb some of that energy before it reaches the passenger cabin. The doors and roof pillars are built stiffer to hold their shape. But a side impact, common in intersection crashes, sometimes strikes the passenger compartment directly, with far less structure between the point of impact and the people inside.
Seat belts and airbags reduce the risk of injury, but they work within limits. They cannot fully offset a high closing speed or an impact that lands somewhere the vehicle wasn't built to absorb.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 23,959 passenger-vehicle occupants were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is distracted driving considered so risky?
Even a few seconds of looking away from the road, at a phone, a screen, or anything else, means a driver can travel a long distance without seeing what's ahead. That delay in noticing a hazard directly cuts down the time available to slow down or steer clear.
How do weather and road conditions play into crashes?
Rain, snow, ice, and fog all reduce tire grip and visibility, which stretches out stopping distances and makes it harder for drivers to judge gaps and closing speed. Many crashes tied to poor conditions happen because a driver's speed was not adjusted to match them.
Where do most traffic crashes happen?
Intersections are a common site for crashes because vehicle paths cross directly, frequently at an angle, and drivers frequently misjudge how fast another vehicle is approaching or the time they have to turn or cross safely.
What should I do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with the other driver, take photos if you're able, and get checked by a medical professional even if you feel fine, since some injuries take time to show symptoms.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Rochester, NY
Anyone involved in a crash in Rochester should prioritize getting checked out by a medical provider, even for injuries that don't seem urgent at first. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries, particularly to the neck, back, or head, take hours or days to become noticeable.
It helps to document the scene if it's safe to do so: photos of vehicle positions, damage, and road conditions can matter later. Get contact information from anyone involved or nearby who saw what happened. Filing a police report ensures there's an official record, which can matter for insurance or any later questions about what occurred.
Take care of practical follow-up too. Notify your insurance company promptly, keep records of any medical visits or repair estimates, and give yourself time to recover both physically and mentally. A crash, even one that seems minor at the scene, can take longer to sort out than expected.
