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San Jose, CA (August 19, 2026) – A three-vehicle wreck blocked multiple lanes of southbound SR-87 near the Alma Avenue off-ramp on Tuesday evening, August 17, according to dispatch logs. Reports described a black minivan, a light-colored SUV, and a silver Toyota Highlander that ended up facing the wrong way in the slow lane. The crash was reported around 7:23 p.m. after an automatic crash notification came in from a wearable device.
A Honda Odyssey and a Toyota Highlander sustained major front and rear damage, respectively, and both blocked the third lane. One person requested a medical evaluation. Tow trucks were called to help clear the roadway, and all lanes reopened by 8:28 p.m.
Details about the extent of the injuries were not immediately available. We hope everyone involved is doing okay.
Why Do Wearable Devices Trigger Automatic Crash Notifications?
Many modern smartwatches and phones include sensors that detect a sudden, forceful impact consistent with a vehicle crash and can automatically alert emergency services, even without the wearer taking any action. This feature is designed to help in situations where someone may be unable to call for help themselves.
These notifications typically include a location, giving dispatchers a starting point even before a traditional 911 call comes in from a witness or someone involved. This can sometimes mean help is already on the way before anyone at the scene has had a chance to call it in.
Because these alerts are based on motion sensors rather than a direct account of what happened, dispatchers and responding crews still need to confirm the actual severity and nature of a crash once they arrive. The automatic notification serves as an early heads-up rather than a full report.
