Woodland, CA (August 14, 2026) — Two people were reported with injuries after a two-vehicle collision on northbound Interstate 5 near the County Road 102 off-ramp early Thursday, August 13. California Highway Patrol records later classified the incident as a minor-injury crash.
The collision was first logged at about 12:27 a.m. Dispatch entries indicated that the vehicles had become separated after the crash, with one on the right side of the roadway and another farther ahead.
Investigators continue reviewing the collision. We wish those affected by this crash a speedy recovery.
Where the Crash Happened: I-5 Near County Road 102
CHP placed the incident on northbound Interstate 5 near the County Road 102 off-ramp, with the location description noting the roadway just south of County Road 103.
As an interstate corridor, I-5 carries through traffic with limited-access entrance and exit points. Off-ramp areas require drivers to make lane-position decisions while other motorists continue along the main roadway, and nighttime conditions can reduce the amount of visual information available ahead.
What We Know
- CHP first recorded the two-vehicle collision at about 12:27 a.m.
- Dispatch information indicated that two people in one vehicle reported injuries.
- The incident was changed to a minor-injury collision classification at 12:50 a.m.
- Towing assistance was requested for the vehicles.
- Early dispatch notes indicated that the vehicles involved were not illuminated.
Why a Nighttime Interstate Crash Can Create Additional Roadway Hazards
A collision occurring shortly after midnight can leave approaching drivers with less time to recognize disabled vehicles or other hazards ahead, particularly when vehicle lighting is not visible. That concern is relevant here because the initial CHP entry specifically noted that the involved vehicles were not illuminated.
The vehicles were also reported at different points along the roadway after the collision. On a high-speed interstate, a crash scene spread across multiple locations can require responders to account for traffic approaching each disabled vehicle while towing and other scene work are underway.
How This Collision Is Investigated
Lighting and visibility can become part of the evidence reviewed after a nighttime highway collision. Investigators may document whether vehicle lights were operating, where the vehicles came to rest, and what could be seen from the direction each vehicle was traveling.
They can compare those observations with damage to the vehicles and statements from the people involved. Because the dispatch record does not identify the sequence of events that led to this crash, those later findings are more useful for determining what happened than the limited information available during the first calls.
What to Do After a Car Collision
People involved in a California collision can use the completed crash report to review information documented after officers have investigated the scene. Keeping photographs, medical records, repair information, towing documents, and insurance correspondence together can also help preserve details while the report is being completed.
For crashes investigated by the California Highway Patrol on freeways, state highways, or in unincorporated areas, the California spreadsheet row lists the California Highway Patrol as the report agency. Reports may be obtained through the CHP Crash Portal at crashes.chp.ca.gov or with a CHP 190 form by mail or in person.
The report form is CHP 555, and CHP 190 is the request form. The online portal fee is $22, while mail or in-person requests through CHP cost $10 per 25 pages.
Reports are available after the officer files them, and the portal shows when a report is ready. Under Vehicle Code § 20012, a party of interest includes a driver, passenger, vehicle or property owner, parent or guardian, or legal or insurance representative. California Highway Patrol reports are not public and are restricted to parties of interest, with no fixed day window for public release.
Local Accident Reports compiles incident information from official agencies and credible local sources. Details from initial reports may be updated as official investigations conclude. If you have direct knowledge that any information here is inaccurate, please contact us so we can review and correct the record.
