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El Paso County, CO (August 26, 2026) – Three people were hurt Sunday afternoon in a three-vehicle collision on Hwy 83 in northern El Paso County.
The collision happened around 1:15 p.m. north of Walker Rd. According to the Colorado State Patrol, a Jeep Cherokee was traveling southbound when it crossed the center line and struck a northbound Toyota RAV4.
The RAV4 rolled once after the initial impact. A northbound Subaru Outback swerved to avoid the vehicles, but the Jeep struck its driver’s side before the Subaru hit the RAV4.
The 20-year-old Jeep driver was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. The 37-year-old RAV4 driver and 78-year-old Subaru driver had minor injuries.
Hwy 83 was closed in both directions from Walker Rd to Palmer Divide Ave for about two and a half hours. The roadway reopened around 3:40 p.m.
The cause of the accident has not been determined. We hope everyone hurt makes a full recovery.
What Happens When a Vehicle Crosses the Center Line?
A vehicle crossing the center line can create a high-risk situation because oncoming drivers may have little time to react. Head-on and side impacts can occur when vehicles traveling in opposite directions meet unexpectedly.
Drivers should remain attentive and maintain their lane, particularly on two-lane highways. Sudden steering movements can also create additional risks when a driver attempts to avoid another vehicle.
Seat belts help keep occupants properly positioned during a collision. Airbags provide additional protection and are designed to work with seat belts.
Multiple-vehicle crashes can produce several points of contact in a short period. Drivers who encounter a roadway hazard should generally slow down while maintaining control rather than making abrupt maneuvers.
