MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (FOX26) — A harrowing solo car crash near Coarsegold, California, early Thursday morning serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a 26-year-old man is fortunate to be alive after his vehicle slammed into a tree and flipped several times.
The incident occurred around 5 a.m. near the intersection of Road 628 and Peterson Creek Road in Madera County. When CHP officers arrived on the scene, they found the driver suffering from injuries described as minor to moderate. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
While the driver survived the wreck, CHP investigators believe that both alcohol and marijuana use played a role in the crash. The combination of these impairing substances behind the wheel can drastically reduce reaction time, coordination, and decision-making abilities — all of which are critical to safe driving.
The CHP issued a strong statement following the incident, warning the public about the consequences of impaired driving:
“Driving under the influence of anything — liquid courage or leafy greens — turns your car into a 3,000-pound weapon. You might survive — but trees, ditches, and reality checks don’t pull punches.”
This blunt message serves as a powerful reminder that the risks associated with DUI are not limited to alcohol alone. As cannabis becomes more accessible across California and other states, law enforcement agencies are increasingly emphasizing that marijuana can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
CHP officers and other first responders often see the devastating outcomes of impaired driving firsthand. While this driver escaped with his life, not everyone is as lucky. Crashes involving impaired drivers continue to claim lives and cause lifelong injuries on California roads every year.
In light of this incident, authorities are urging all drivers to make responsible choices. Whether it's planning a ride home with a sober friend, using a rideshare service, or simply waiting until the effects of any substance wear off, the message is clear: never drive under the influence.
With summer travel increasing and cannabis consumption becoming more common, this crash near Coarsegold is a timely reminder of how quickly impaired driving can turn deadly — and how easily it can be avoided.
