SALINAS, Monterey County, Calif., Oct. 15, 2026 — Three drivers were hurt Tuesday evening, October 13, when a pickup truck, a box truck and a semi hauling a trailer of celery collided on Highway 183 near San Juan Road, according to the California Highway Patrol's Monterey office.
All three drivers were taken to a hospital with injuries described by CHP Monterey as ranging from moderate to major. The semi's trailer overturned in the crash, scattering celery across the roadway.
A SigAlert was issued and both directions of Highway 183 were shut down between Cooper Road and McFadden Road Tuesday evening. Traffic was rerouted onto Cooper Road and McFadden Road while crews worked the scene.
The closure was expected to run at least several hours as crews cleared wreckage and spilled cargo from the road.
The investigation is ongoing. We hope everyone who was hurt makes a speedy recovery.
Large Truck Crashes in Context
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 528,177 large trucks were involved in police-reported traffic crashes in 2023. That figure covers everything from fender-benders to multi-vehicle pileups, and it reflects how often big rigs share ordinary roads and highways with passenger vehicles, not just interstates built for freight.
A crash involving a loaded semi carries extra complications beyond the vehicles themselves. Cargo can shift or spill, as with an overturned trailer, turning the roadway itself into a hazard that has to be cleared before lanes can reopen. That cleanup work is often what keeps a highway closed for hours even after injured drivers have already been taken to the hospital.
Multi-vehicle crashes that include a large truck also tend to draw a bigger response: separate assessments for each driver, more personnel to redirect traffic, and a longer closure while investigators document the scene. The scale of the NHTSA count shows this isn't a rare combination of circumstances. It's a recurring feature of the national crash picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers share the road safely with large trucks?
Give trucks extra space, avoid lingering in blind spots alongside the cab or trailer, and pass decisively instead of staying beside a truck for long stretches. Trucks have wider turning paths and longer stopping distances, so sudden lane changes near one carry added risk.
Does driver fatigue play a role in truck crashes?
Fatigue is a recognized factor in commercial truck crashes nationally, though it's not confirmed in any specific incident until investigators review driver logs and hours of service. Federal rules limit how long truck drivers can be on duty for this reason.
What should I do after a crash involving a commercial truck?
Call 911, move to a safe location if possible, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor. Get the names of all drivers involved, exchange insurance information, and note the truck's company and any identifying markings if you're able to safely do so.
Why do large trucks need more distance to stop?
A fully loaded truck can weigh tens of thousands of pounds more than a passenger car, and that extra mass requires more distance to slow down or stop, especially at highway speeds.
What to Do After a Truck Crash in Salinas, CA
If you're involved in a crash with a commercial truck in Salinas, start by checking yourself and any passengers for injuries, then move somewhere safe if the vehicle is drivable. Call 911 so officers can document the scene and arrange medical care.
Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask pain from impacts, and some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Keep records of any treatment, and if the roadway was closed or cargo was involved, note what you remember about the scene while it's fresh, since that can help later as the investigation unfolds.
