CHP - Madera

🚨Two Fatal Crashes. Two Lives Lost 🚨

CHP Madera officers investigated two fatal crashes this past weekend. While the circumstances may differ, the outcome is the same - families left grieving the loss of a loved one.

These tragedies serve as a sobering reminder that every decision made behind the wheel matters. Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and other unsafe behaviors can have irreversible consequences in an instant.

Before you start your vehicle, commit to driving safely. Put the phone away, obey speed limits, wear your seatbelt, and never drive impaired. No destination is worth risking a life.

CHP Madera urges all motorists to make safety their top priority. Together, we can prevent tragedies and keep our roads safe tor everyone.

Our thoughts are with the families and friends affected by these devastating crashes.

Fatal Crash – State Route 99 southbound, north of Madera Avenue

On Sunday, June 7, 2026, at approximately 11:16 p.m., CHP Madera Area officers responded to a solo vehicle traffic crash on State Route 99 southbound, north of Madera Avenue.

A preliminary investigation indicates:

A 32-year-old Hispanic male was driving a black Mitsubishi Lancer, southbound on State Route 99, at an undetermined speed. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the roadway onto the west shoulder and traveled up an embankment. As the vehicle began to rotate, the driver’s side collided with a mature tree, resulting in fatal injuries to the driver (no passengers). The vehicle subsequently overturned and came to rest on its roof.

Despite the immediate response of emergency personnel, the driver of the Mitsubishi succumbed to his injuries.

This crash is still under investigation. The driver was wearing his seatbelt and alcohol appeared to be a factor in this crash.


🚔The California Highway Patrol would like to remind everyone to never drive impaired and always wear your seatbelt. Your safest ride starts with a sober driver and a click of the buckle 🚔

Fatal Crash – Avenue 7 west of Road 35

On June 5, 2026, at approximately 6:05 p.m., CHP Madera officers responded to a solo-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle, in the area of Avenue 7 and Road 35.

Upon arrival, officers contacted the motorcycle rider, who was alert and conscious and able to provide a statement. He stated that he was traveling eastbound on Avenue 7 at approximately 55 mph when a dog ran into the roadway from the south shoulder.

A preliminary investigation indicates that a 42-year-old male from Fresno, California, was riding a 2012 Yamaha motorcycle eastbound on Avenue 7 and approaching Road 35. He subsequently veered off the roadway and onto the south dirt shoulder. During the crash, the rider was ejected from the motorcycle and sustained major injuries. He was transported by ambulance to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. While at the hospital, the rider succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

This crash remains under investigation. Alcohol and/or drugs do not appear to have been factors in this crash. The rider was wearing a safety helmet at the time of the crash.

⚠️While your instinct may be to avoid an animal in the roadway, sudden swerving can lead to devastating crashes with other vehicles, trees, or fixed objects. If an animal appears in your path, slow down, brake safely, and stay in your lane. A controlled response can prevent a tragic outcome⚠️

A hot car can turn deadly in minutes.

🌡️ Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise 20 degrees in
just 10 minutes.

👶 On average, 37 children die each year from heatstroke in vehicles.

🚘 Even on a 60-degree day, a child can die in a hot car.

Look before you lock. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, not even for a moment.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) Child Heatstroke Prevention Program.

🎓Congratulations, Class of 2026!🎓

CHP Madera congratulates the graduating seniors of Liberty High School, Madera High School, Madera South High School, Chowchilla High School, and Matilda Torres High School, on this incredible achievement.

As you celebrate this milestone, remember to make safety a priority. Buckle up, drive responsibly, and never drive impaired.

Congratulations, graduates—we wish you success in all your future endeavors!

June is National Safety Month.

Whether you’re on the road, at work, or at home, safety starts with the choices we make every day. From buckling up and staying focused behind the wheel to looking out for those around us, small actions can make a big difference.

Join us in making safety a priority this month and all year long.


ServiceSecurity

Welcome to the Madera Area Officers!

Please join us in welcoming CHP Officers M. Cisneros, E. Jimenez, and M. Nires (left to right) to the California Highway Patrol Madera Area.

Madera Area Lieutenant Commander T. Santoro and Sergeant Hiura (pictured) are grateful to have them on our team.

The department recognizes the ongoing need for increased staffing and has increased our baseline staffing levels to better meet the needs of the community. Increased staffing means a greater ability to provide safety, service, and security throughout our county.

Welcome to Madera—we’re glad to have you on the team.

18-year-old woman suffers major injuries after solo-vehicle crash.

Earlier this morning (May 30, 2026), CHP Madera officers responded to a solo-vehicle crash on Road 16, south of Avenue 5.

An 18-year-old woman from Madera was driving a 2004 Toyota Corolla northbound on Road 16 when, for reasons still under investigation, she lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway, and collided with two pistachio trees.

The driver sustained major injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The driver was wearing her seatbelt and alcohol and/or drugs are not suspected to be a factor.

Investigating CHP Officer L. Montoya wants to remind the public to “Always drive attentively, wear your seat belt, and travel at a safe speed for roadway conditions. A split second can change everything”

This Memorial Day, the California Highway Patrol honors the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. We remember their courage, their commitment, and the families who continue to carry their legacy.

Their sacrifice reminds us that safety is a responsibility we all share. As we reflect on their service, we encourage everyone to drive safely, remain vigilant and make responsible choices on the road.

On Friday, May 22, 2026, at approximately 10:31 a.m., CHP Madera officers responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of Avenue 21 and Road 28 ½.

A preliminary investigation indicates:
An 18-year-old man from Madera, CA. was driving a white Ford Escape southbound on Road 28 ½, traversing the intersection of Avenue 21 at an unknown speed. A 59-year-old woman from Madera, CA. was driving a brown Jeep Cherokee westbound on Avenue 21, approaching the intersection of Road 28 ½. As the Ford attempted to cross the intersection of Avenue 21, the front of the Jeep struck the left side of the Ford. This crash caused the Ford to leave the roadway on the south-west corner of the intersection and it struck a pistachio tree.

Despite the immediate response of emergency personnel, the driver of the Ford succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Jeep sustained minor injuries. Both parties were wearing their seatbelt. Alcohol and/or drugs are not suspected to be a factor.

At this location, Avenue 21 is not controlled by stop signs and traffic has the right-of-way. Road 28 ½ is controlled by stop signs in both directions.

Stop signs require a complete stop every time.
✅ Stop fully at every stop sign
✅ Look in all directions before proceeding
✅ Only move when the intersection is clear
✅ Stay alert and avoid distractions

A full stop gives you time to see hazards and prevent crashes. Drive safe and follow the rules of the road.