VERNON, Waukesha County, Wis., Sept. 26, 2026 — A three-vehicle crash involving a semi truck blocked lanes on southbound Hwy 43 near Big Bend Rd on Friday afternoon, September 25, according to a scanner traffic report. Injuries had not been confirmed as crews responded to the scene.
The crash was reported around 5:14 p.m. at the interchange connecting Hwy 43 and Hwy 164 between Big Bend and Vernon, Wisconsin. A dispatch log described a three-vehicle collision that included a semi-truck, with at least one lane of southbound Hwy 43 blocked as a result.
Two tow trucks were requested to clear the vehicles. Traffic was being diverted off the highway at the Hwy 164 exit while crews worked to clear the scene.
The extent of any injuries had not been released as of the initial report. It remains unclear how many people were involved or transported for treatment.
The cause of the crash has not been determined. It remains under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Why Highway Interchanges See So Many Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Interchanges like the one connecting Hwy 43 and Hwy 164 concentrate several risks at once. Drivers merging, exiting, and slowing for traffic ahead are usually moving at different speeds within a short stretch of road, and that speed mismatch is a common trigger for chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles.
Large trucks add another layer of difficulty at these locations. Semis need more distance to slow down or change lanes, and a passenger vehicle cutting in front of one, or a truck driver misjudging a gap, can turn a routine lane change into a multi-vehicle pileup. Reduced visibility, lane blockages from an earlier incident, or sudden braking near an exit ramp can compound the problem within seconds.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4 percent of large-truck drivers involved in fatal crashes had blood alcohol concentrations of .08 g/dL or higher in 2023. Interchange crashes involving trucks are more usually tied to following distance, speed differences, and merging conflicts than to impairment alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur at or near intersections and interchanges, where vehicles merge, cross paths, or change speed in a short distance.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Leaving extra following distance, especially near trucks, and slowing early for merges and exits gives drivers more time to react to sudden stops or lane changes.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Neck and back strain, cuts and bruises from broken glass or debris, and injuries from being thrown against the interior of the vehicle are common in multi-vehicle crashes.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Following too closely, misjudging merging gaps, distracted driving, and sudden braking in heavy traffic are frequent factors, particularly at interchanges.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Vernon, WI
Anyone involved in a crash near Vernon should first check for injuries and move to a safe area away from moving traffic if possible. Call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms, particularly from whiplash or internal strain, may not appear right away.
Getting a medical evaluation soon after the crash creates a record of any injuries and helps catch problems early. Take photos of the scene and vehicle damage if it's safe to do so, and get the responding agency's report number for your records. Following up with your insurance company promptly can also help the process move smoothly.
