SHELDON, Franklin County, Vt., Oct. 12, 2026 — Three people were taken to a hospital after a car crashed into a parked vehicle early on Sunday morning, October 11, on Shawville Road in Sheldon. Vermont State Police said the crash happened near Heather Lane just after midnight.
Troopers said a 22-year-old Richford man was driving east on Shawville Road when he failed to make a sharp curve and struck a car parked on the shoulder. He and two people inside the parked car were injured.
All three were taken to Northwestern Medical Center and have since been released, state police said. The driver has been identified by authorities as Caleb Chates.
Chates was processed on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the report. The crash remains under investigation, and no further details have been released.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Late-Night Road Departures: What the Numbers Show
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 23,959 passenger-vehicle occupants were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. A portion of those crashes involved a single vehicle leaving its lane on a curve or stretch of rural road, usually during nighttime hours when visibility is lower and reaction time is shorter.
Roads like Shawville Road, with sharp bends and limited lighting, pose a particular challenge after dark. A vehicle that drifts wide on a curve can strike anything on the shoulder, including another car, a guardrail, or a tree, before the driver has time to correct.
Alcohol impairment compounds the risk on these roads. Slower reaction times and reduced depth perception make it harder for an impaired driver to judge a curve correctly, which is why investigators routinely screen for DUI in single-vehicle crashes that happen late at night or in the early morning hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after a car accident?
Check yourself and others for injuries, call 911, and move to a safe spot off the roadway if possible. Exchange information with anyone involved, wait for police to arrive, and document the scene.
Where do most car accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur on rural roads and at curves or intersections where speeds are higher and reaction time is limited, especially at night or in poor weather.
What are the most common injuries in car accidents?
Common injuries include whiplash, broken bones, head and neck injuries, and bruising or cuts from broken glass or impact with the vehicle's interior. Severity varies widely depending on speed and the type of collision.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Sheldon, VT
If you're involved in a crash in Sheldon, stay at the scene and call emergency services right away, even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask pain, so it's worth getting checked out at a hospital like Northwestern Medical Center regardless of how you feel in the moment.
Take photos of the vehicles and the surrounding area if you're able, and get the names of any officers who respond. Keep a copy of the police report for your records, and follow up with a doctor in the days after the crash if any soreness or symptoms develop.
