VICTORVILLE, San Bernardino County, CA, Sept. 22, 2026 — A 35-year-old man died Sunday evening, September 20, after a two-car crash near Nisqualli Road and 11th Avenue in Victorville, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
The crash happened at about 6:32 p.m. between a blue Honda Civic and a dark blue Chevrolet Traverse, the sheriff's department said. The Traverse reportedly struck the Civic as it turned left onto Nisqualli Road, broadsiding the smaller car.
The driver of the Civic suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. He has not been publicly identified.
Deputies, the Victorville Fire Department and American Medical Response responded to the scene. The driver and passengers of the Chevrolet were taken to Providence St. Mary's Medical Center; the extent of their injuries has not been released. Investigators said everyone inside the SUV cooperated with the investigation.
Roads near the intersection were closed for several hours after the crash. The case remains under investigation by the Victorville Major Accident Investigation Team, and anyone with information has been asked to contact the Victorville sheriff's station or dispatch.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
When Are Broadside Crashes at Intersections Most Frequent?
Broadside, or T-bone, collisions tend to cluster around left-hand turns and busy cross streets, particularly in the early evening when traffic volume is heaviest and the sun sits low on the horizon. That stretch of the day, roughly the hour before and after sunset, brings glare that can make it harder for drivers to judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles.
Weekday commute hours and weekend evenings also see more of these crashes simply because more cars are moving through intersections at once. A driver misjudging a gap, running a stale yellow light, or turning without a clear view of oncoming traffic can turn a routine intersection into the site of a serious wreck.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the mileage death rate was 1.26 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled in 2023. Intersection crashes, including broadside collisions like left-turn conflicts, make up a steady share of that toll year after year, regardless of season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should families do after a fatal crash?
Families can request the official incident report once it becomes available, ask the investigating agency for a case number, and reach out to the department's press or records division for updates. It's normal for details, including the driver's identity, to be withheld until next of kin are notified.
How are fatal crashes like this investigated?
Specialized units, such as a major accident investigation team, examine physical evidence at the scene, review vehicle damage, take witness statements and sometimes use crash reconstruction to determine how the collision happened.
How long do these investigations typically take?
Timelines vary widely. Some cases close within weeks; others, especially those involving potential charges, can take months while toxicology results, data downloads and reconstruction reports are finalized.
What role does impairment play in fatal crashes?
Impairment from alcohol, drugs or fatigue is a factor in a significant number of fatal crashes nationally, though investigators typically don't confirm a specific cause until toxicology and reconstruction work are complete.
What to Do After a Broadside Crash in Victorville, CA
If you're involved in a broadside crash, call 911 right away and stay put until help arrives, even if injuries aren't immediately obvious. Adrenaline can mask pain from whiplash, internal injuries or head trauma, so a medical check is worth doing even when you feel fine.
Exchange information with the other driver if you're able, and take photos of vehicle positions, damage and the intersection itself. Cooperate with responding officers and get a copy of the police report number for your records. Victorville's sheriff's station can provide updates on cases still under investigation, and witnesses are encouraged to come forward with anything they saw.