SALINA, Mayes County, Okla., Oct. 5, 2026 — A 77-year-old man died Sunday afternoon, October 4, in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 82 near County Road 350 in Mayes County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
The man, identified by troopers as Gary Goodman of Vinita, was driving on Highway 82 near the county road around 2:52 p.m. when his vehicle collided with another vehicle, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said. Investigators said the other driver reportedly ran a stop sign before the two vehicles collided.
Goodman was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured, troopers said.
The crash remains under investigation. No further details, including potential charges, have been released.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
Where Rural Stop-Sign Crashes Tend to Happen
Crashes involving a vehicle that fails to stop at an intersection cluster heavily on rural two-lane highways where a minor road crosses a higher-speed route and only one direction faces a stop sign. Drivers approaching from the controlled side sometimes misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic or miss the sign altogether, while vehicles on the main highway often have little time to react once another vehicle enters their path.
These intersections are usually unsignaled, with no turn lanes or warning lights to slow traffic down. Sightlines can be limited by crops, trees, or gentle rises in the road, and lower traffic volumes mean drivers may not expect cross traffic at all. The combination of higher speeds on the main road and reduced visibility at the crossing point makes these spots more likely to produce serious or fatal outcomes than crashes within city limits.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40,901 people were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. Rural intersection crashes remain a recurring part of that toll each year, particularly where highway speeds meet minor cross streets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do fatal-crash investigations typically take?
Timelines vary widely. Reconstruction, toxicology results, and witness interviews can take weeks or months before an agency closes a case or refers it for charges.
Does impairment usually factor into fatal crashes?
It can, but not always. Investigators routinely check for alcohol or drug impairment as part of a fatal-crash probe, though results are not always released publicly.
Where do fatal crashes happen most often?
Rural highways and unsignaled intersections see a large share of fatal crashes nationally, often tied to higher speeds and limited visibility compared to city streets.
What makes a crash more likely to be fatal?
Speed differential, lack of seatbelt use, and the angle of impact all play a role. Crashes where one vehicle enters another's path at speed, such as at a stop sign, tend to be more severe than low-speed collisions.
What to Do After a Stop Sign Crash in Salina, Oklahoma
If you're involved in a crash at a rural intersection, call 911 right away and stay as safe as possible away from traffic while waiting for help. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since injuries from a collision aren't always obvious right away.
Take photos of the scene if you're able, note the position of any stop signs or traffic controls, and get the contact information of anyone who witnessed what happened. File a report with local law enforcement and keep a copy for your records. Giving yourself time to process the event, and leaning on family or friends in Salina or wherever you call home, matters too.
