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WICHITA, Sedgwick County, Kan., Oct. 4, 2026 — A woman died and another driver was left in critical condition after a wrong-way crash early on Saturday morning, October 3, on a ramp connecting I-135 and K-96 in Wichita, Kansas.
The Kansas Highway Patrol said the crash happened around 1:40 a.m. on the southbound ramp at I-135 and eastbound K-96. A 21-year-old woman was reportedly driving the wrong way down the ramp when her vehicle collided with a Kia.
The Kia's driver, identified by troopers as 45-year-old Loni Smith, died from her injuries. The 21-year-old driver was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.
The crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not released further details on what led the 21-year-old to enter the ramp traveling the wrong direction.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
When Wrong-Way Crashes Are Most Likely to Happen
Wrong-way crashes cluster heavily in the late-night and early-morning hours, usually between midnight and 3 a.m., when traffic volume is low, but speeds on ramps and highways stay high. Darkness makes it harder for a driver who has entered a roadway backward to recognize the mistake before reaching highway speed, and other drivers have less time to react when they encounter oncoming headlights in their lane.
Fatigue and impairment both play larger roles overnight. Drivers are more likely to be returning from late shifts, social events, or bars during these hours, and reaction times and judgment can suffer as a result. Ramps and interchanges, with their curves and sometimes confusing signage, are a common entry point for wrong-way drivers regardless of the season.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, passenger vehicles made up 92 percent of registered vehicles and 89 percent of vehicle miles traveled in 2023. That volume of ordinary passenger-vehicle travel means most wrong-way crashes, like most crashes generally, involve everyday cars and SUVs rather than commercial trucks or other heavy vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
Many crashes occur at intersections, interchanges, and ramps, where vehicles merge, cross paths, or change speed. Rural highways and poorly lit roads also see a higher share of serious crashes.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Staying alert, obeying posted speed limits, avoiding distractions, and never driving while impaired or fatigued all lower the chances of a crash, especially during late-night hours when visibility and reaction time are reduced.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Head and neck injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries are common in serious collisions, particularly in high-speed or head-on crashes.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Distraction, speeding, impaired driving, fatigue, and wrong-way or improper entry onto a roadway are frequently cited factors in serious crashes.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Wichita, KS
If you're involved in or witness a wrong-way crash, call 911 immediately and move to a safe location away from traffic if possible. Even if injuries seem minor, seek a medical evaluation, since some injuries from high-speed impacts aren't immediately apparent.
Cooperate with responding officers and provide an accurate account of what you saw. If you're a passenger or bystander in Wichita, Kansas, keep any contact information for witnesses, as investigators may follow up as the case develops. Document the scene with photos if it's safe to do so, and follow up with your insurance company promptly to begin the claims process.
