Driver swerved to avoid Toyota Prius in foggy conditions
February 05, 2026 | Merced, CA
A tragic head-on collision amid dense fog claimed the life of a 21-year-old woman from Turlock and left four others with injuries on Oakdale Road east of Fisher Road.
Steve Pinocchio, 45, of Merced, and three juvenile passengers were injured in a head-on crash on Oakdale Road east of Fisher Road.
What Happened in the Crash?
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Merced Area Office reported the incident occurred during thick fog conditions. A Toyota Prius sedan, driven by the Turlock woman, was traveling eastbound. Witnesses described her attempting to pass slower vehicles when the crash unfolded.
Meanwhile, a westbound Chevrolet Suburban SUV, operated by 45-year-old Steve Pinocchio of Merced, swerved to avoid the situation but collided front-end with the Prius in the westbound lane.
- Date and Time: Early morning, Feb. 5
- Location: Oakdale Road, east of Fisher Road, Merced County
- Vehicles Involved: 21-year-old driving Toyota Prius, and 45-year-old Steve Pinocchio driving Chevrolet Suburban
- Fatalities: One, 21-year-old Turlock woman
- Injuries: Four others, including three juveniles in the Suburban, with moderate to major injuries
- Treatment: Victims transported to Mercy Medical Center
- Contributing Factors: Foggy conditions, and no alcohol or drugs suspected
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by CHP
Why Do These Accidents Happen in Foggy Weather?
Fog significantly reduces visibility, leading to higher risks of head-on collisions, especially on rural roads like Oakdale Road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), adverse weather contributes to thousands of crashes annually.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual U.S. Traffic Injuries |
2.2 million (2023) |
NHTSA |
Crashes Due to Weather |
Over 900,000 per year |
Federal Highway Administration |
Head-On Collision Fatality Rate |
10-15% of fatal crashes |
CDC |
Fog-Related Incidents |
3-5% of weather crashes |
NHTSA |
Drivers must slow down and use low beams in fog to prevent such tragedies.
Legal Insights
Newsline features analysis from national legal analysts to provide context on motor vehicle incidents.
“In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Time is of the essence, and ensuring evidence is reviewed efficiently is crucial.”
- Key Takeaway 1: Independent investigations can uncover overlooked details beyond initial police reports.
- Key Takeaway 2: Timely action preserves vital evidence like witness statements and digital records.
- Key Takeaway 3: Families benefit from professional guidance to navigate complex investigations.
“Pending investigation results, individuals like Steve Pinocchio may pursue a personal injury claim,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “The stress following a serious injury disrupts family, work, finances, and quality of life. Hiring an attorney allows negotiation with insurers on the victim's behalf, countering pressure for low settlements and ensuring fair compensation.”
- Key Takeaway 1: Legal representation protects against undervalued insurance offers.
- Key Takeaway 2: Attorneys advocate for comprehensive recovery, including medical and lost wage costs.
- Key Takeaway 3: Early consultation maximizes claim outcomes in injury cases.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).