Box Truck, SUV Collide On Lakeville Hwy, Causing Major Injuries

PETALUMA, CA — A collision involving a box truck and an SUV Thursday at Lakeville Highway / State Route 116 and Pine View Way resulted in major injuries, Petaluma police said. The crash happened at 5:34 p.m. as the driver of a white box truck was traveling eastbound on Lakeville and the driver of a silver Lexus SUV tried to turn onto the highway from Pine View Way.

The truck driver was not able to stop, and the box truck collided with the driver's side front fender of the Lexus, police said.

Personnel with the Petaluma police and fire departments arrived to find the Lexus driver suffering major injuries. Firefighter/paramedics took the driver by ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

Lakeville Highway was temporarily closed, and traffic had to be diverted while the roadway was cleaned, and the damaged vehicles were removed.

The crash remains under investigation but police do not believe drugs or alcohol were causes.

"Over the past several years, there have been numerous major injury and fatal collisions on Lakeville Hwy between Hwy 101 and Browns Lane," police said. "The primary cause of collisions in this area, are either broadside, head-on, or failing to yield to the oncoming vehicle when making a turn. The Police Department recommends, motorists travel with their headlights on, obey the posted speed limit, avoid any distracted driving, watch the oncoming traffic, and always wear your seat belt."