GMC pickup crossed the centerline while attempting to pass vehicles
July 31, 2026 | Vacaville, CA
What happened in the Highway 113 crash?
VACAVILLE, CA — A Dixon man was among three people who lost their lives in a multiple-vehicle crash July 31 near Vacaville.
Tony Hadad, 29, was pronounced dead after a GMC pickup crossed the centerline and struck his Ram pickup head-on on Highway 113 north of Hay Road near Vacaville.
A red GMC pickup truck was traveling at high speed and attempting to pass vehicles on Highway 113 just north of Hay Road at approximately 6:35 a.m. when it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with an oncoming gray Ram pickup truck.
Tony Hadad, 29, of Dixon, was driving the Ram. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Two brothers from Modesto, the occupants of the GMC, also died.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating.
Key details from the incident
- Date: July 31
- Location: Highway 113 north of Hay Road, near Vacaville
- Vehicles: Red GMC pickup, gray Ram pickup
- Fatalities: Three total, including Tony Hadad, 29, of Dixon
- Investigating agency: California Highway Patrol
Why do these accidents happen?
Passing-related crashes remain a serious contributor to roadway fatalities, particularly on undivided highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, improper passing was a factor in more than 4,000 fatal crashes in the U.S. between 2017 and 2021.
These incidents often involve head-on collisions, typically occurring when a driver misjudges the speed or distance of oncoming traffic while overtaking. The Federal Highway Administration notes that rural two-lane roads are especially prone to such crashes due to limited visibility and high closing speeds.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined,” said Candice Bond, a managing partner with Bond Legal.
Accident statistics
| Source | Statistic | Period |
|---|
| National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | Improper passing factor in over 4,000 fatal crashes | 2017–2021 |
| Federal Highway Administration | Rural two-lane roads prone to head-on collisions due to visibility limits | Ongoing |
Legal insights
In cases such as this, families of those involved in serious motor vehicle crashes may explore options for compensation.
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Key takeaways
- Thorough investigation of road conditions and visibility is standard in these cases.
- Families may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Legal support focuses on protecting rights during ongoing official reviews.
Newsline is a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc. The organization maintains an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence, with a 24-hour review guarantee under its corrections policy available at /about-us/corrections-policy.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).