Monona County, IA (June 11, 2026) – A serious two-vehicle collision occurred Wednesday, June 10, at around 8:30 a.m. on Highway K45 at Cherry Avenue in Monona County: one person was seriously hurt.
Nichole Annmarie Healey, 38, of Dunlap, Iowa, was driving a 2012 Chrysler Town & Country northbound in the southbound lane for an unknown reason. A 2024 Volkswagen Taos driven by Lesley Ann Hubert, 57, of Whiting, Iowa, was heading southbound in the correct lane when the two vehicles met head-on. Healey attempted to swerve before the accident, but the vehicles still collided.
After the crash, Healey’s minivan came to rest facing southbound, and Hubert’s SUV rolled onto its side in the east ditch.
Hubert was airlifted to Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha with serious injuries. Healey was taken to a local hospital by ground transport.
The wreck remains under investigation as officials work to determine why Healey was traveling in the wrong lane. We hope for a full recovery for both drivers and keep them in our thoughts.
What Is Known About Wrong-Way Driving Crashes in Iowa?
Wrong-way driving crashes are among the most dangerous types of road accidents because they involve direct, front-to-front contact between vehicles traveling at full speed. Rural two-lane highways present a particular risk since there is no physical barrier separating opposing lanes of traffic. When one driver enters the wrong lane, there is very little time for either party to react, even when both attempt to swerve.
Head-on collisions frequently result in serious or fatal injuries, even when seatbelts are worn. Seatbelts are still credited with reducing injury severity in these crashes, as they prevent occupants from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle. The force in a head-on crash is compounded by the combined speeds of both vehicles.
Investigators typically focus on several possible contributing factors in wrong-way crashes, including medical episodes, distraction, disorientation, or impairment. Roadway markings, signage visibility, and the time of day are also reviewed as part of the standard reconstruction process.
