UKIAH, Mendocino County, Calif., Sept. 17, 2026 — A pickup truck towing a boat collided with a sedan on Wednesday afternoon, September 16, on State Route 20 near Road 144, according to authorities. At least one person was reportedly injured.
The California Highway Patrol received reports describing a two-vehicle crash on SR-20 shortly before 4 p.m. Callers reportedly described a white truck hauling a boat colliding with a red vehicle that sustained major damage. Both vehicles reportedly ended up off the roadway.
Occupants of at least one vehicle were reportedly seen getting out on their own before help arrived, according to radio traffic. The CHP initially logged the crash as involving unknown injuries before updating it to a minor injury collision. Officers requested tow trucks for both vehicles and closed part of the roadway while crews worked.
The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation. The police have not released the names, ages, or hometowns of those involved, or specified how many people were hurt or the extent of their injuries.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Why Blind Spots Around Large Trucks Lead to Crashes Like This
Large trucks, and vehicles towing heavy loads such as boats, carry wide zones around the cab and trailer where other drivers simply disappear from view. These "no-zones" sit along both sides, directly behind the load, and just in front of the cab. A sedan traveling in one of these areas can be invisible to the truck driver even with mirrors properly adjusted.
The problem grows when a truck or trailer changes lanes, merges, or slows on a two-lane highway. A driver towing a boat has less rear visibility than a standard tractor-trailer operator, and the added length changes how the vehicle handles curves and turns. A car following too closely or attempting to pass at the wrong moment can end up in a spot where the towing driver has no way to see it.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,472 people were killed in traffic crashes involving large trucks in 2023. Many of these crashes trace back to the same basic issue: one driver did not know the other vehicle was there until the two were already colliding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes large-truck crashes?
Common factors include blind spots, wide turning radii, longer stopping distances, driver fatigue, and other vehicles misjudging a truck's speed or following distance.
How can drivers share the road safely with trucks?
Avoid lingering beside a truck or trailer, pass promptly and on the left when possible, and give trucks extra room to turn or merge, since their blind spots are larger than a typical car's.
Does driver fatigue play a role in truck crashes?
Yes. Long hours behind the wheel are a recognized factor in commercial truck crashes nationally, though fatigue has not been confirmed as a factor in this incident.
What should I do after a crash involving a commercial truck?
Move to safety if possible, call 911, exchange information, and seek a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms appear later.
What to Do After a Truck Crash in Ukiah, CA
If you're involved in a crash with a truck or a vehicle towing a heavy load, stay in a safe location and call for help right away. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical provider, since adrenaline can mask pain from soft-tissue or head injuries.
Take photos of the vehicles and the scene if you're able, and get contact information from anyone who witnessed what happened. Request a copy of the official report once it's filed, and keep records of any medical visits tied to the crash. Ukiah residents can follow up with the CHP's local office for updates on the report once it becomes available.
