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SAN JOSE, Santa Clara County, Calif., Sept. 21, 2026 — A two-vehicle crash sent at least one person to the hospital Sunday afternoon, September 20, on northbound US-101 near the Alum Rock Avenue off-ramp in San Jose, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol reported that a gray and pink Dodge Charger collided with a red Honda sedan on the right shoulder of northbound US-101 just south of Alum Rock Avenue. The crash was logged shortly after 1:30 p.m.
An ambulance was requested for the scene, CHP records show, indicating at least one injury. The extent of any injuries has not been released.
Traffic in the area was reported blocked and slow following the crash, per CHP dispatch logs. It is not known how long the slowdown lasted or whether all lanes reopened the same day.
The collision remains under investigation. No further details, including possible causes, have been released by the California Highway Patrol.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
How Does Evidence Contradicsts the Misconceptions About Highway Shoulder Crashes?
Many drivers assume the shoulder of a freeway is a safe place to be, whether pulling over for a mechanical issue or drifting there briefly during a lane change. On the other hand, there is evidence on multi-vehicle crashes that suggests that the vehicles stopped or slowed on a shoulder are exposed to fast-moving traffic just a few feet away, and a misjudged merge or an unexpected obstruction can turn a routine roadside stop into a collision.
Injury counts from multi-vehicle wrecks show how people get hurt even outside of dramatic, multi-car pileups. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28,595 large-truck occupants were injured in multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks in 2023. That figure covers only large-truck occupants, but it points to a broader pattern: crashes involving more than one vehicle, including ones that start on or near a shoulder, routinely produce injuries that a single-vehicle incident would not.
The takeaway is not that shoulders are especially dangerous in some unique way, but that they offer far less separation from live traffic than most drivers picture in their heads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is distracted driving a factor in so many highway crashes?
Even a few seconds of a driver's attention away from the road, checking a phone or adjusting a dashboard control, can be enough to miss a lane change, a slowing vehicle, or a car merging from the shoulder.
How do traffic conditions and lane changes contribute to crashes like this one?
Sudden merges, vehicles slowing near an off-ramp, and inconsistent speeds between lanes all raise the chance of a collision, particularly in stretches where a shoulder or ramp adds extra merging traffic.
What should I do immediately after a car accident on a freeway?
If it's safe, move to the shoulder or a nearby exit, turn on hazard lights, and call 911. Stay in the vehicle if traffic is heavy, and wait for law enforcement before attempting to move damaged vehicles.
What to Do After a Car Accident in San Jose, CA
If you're involved in a highway crash in San Jose, prioritize safety first. Turn on hazard lights, check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's wise to get checked by a medical provider, since some injuries, like whiplash or internal bruising, don't show symptoms right away.
Once everyone is safe, exchange information with the other driver and take photos of the vehicles, the roadway, and any visible damage if conditions allow. Request a copy of the CHP report once it's available, as it can help clarify what happened. Take time to rest and follow up with a doctor in the days after the crash, even if you feel fine at the scene.
