California Highway Patrol Madera officers responded to a crash involving two vehicles, at the intersection of Avenue 18 1/2 and Road 19.
A 25-year-old man from Madera was driving a green 2000 Toyota Tacoma, traveling northbound on Road 19, approaching the intersection at Avenue 18 1/2 Wednesday evening at about 6:30 p.m.
A 40-year-old from Chowchilla was driving a silver 2022 Hyundai Tucson, westbound on Avenue 18 1/2, approaching the intersection at Road 19.
At this location, traffic on Avenue 18 1/2 has the right-of-way, and traffic on Road 19 is controlled by posted stop signs.
The driver of the Toyota failed to stop at the stop sign, and entered the intersection, directly into the path of the Hyundai.
The front of the Hyundai collided with the right side of the Toyota. Both vehicles overturned and came to rest in an orchard, northwest of the intersection.
The 25-year-old driver was not wearing a seat belt, and was ejected from the Toyota.
Despite lifesaving measures, the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Hyundai was wearing a seatbelt. He was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries.
CHP would like to remind motorists that rolling through or ignoring a stop sign can change lives in an instant. Come to a complete stop, look left, right, then left again, and only proceed when it’s safe. Not every intersection has traffic signals, and assuming one has the right-of-way can have tragic consequences. And, always wear a seat belt.