A major injury collision involving a semi-truck and Buick Verano at the intersection of Highways 99 and 20 in Yuba City is pictured from Tuesday morning, Dec. 2. Police say the Buick’s driver, a 94-year-old man, turned in front of the northbound semi after failing to stop for a red signal; he was transported to Adventist Rideout Hospital with major injuries. The semi-truck driver was not injured. Photo courtesy of Yuba County

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - On Tuesday, Dec. 2, at approximately 10:20 a.m., the Yuba City Police Department responded to a report of a major injury collision at the intersection of Highway 99 and Highway 20. Upon arrival, officers from the Yuba City Traffic Unit immediately assumed responsibility for the investigation.

According to an independent witness, the traffic signal for northbound and southbound traffic on Highway 99 was green at the time of the collision. A semi-truck driven by a 35-year-old man was traveling northbound on Highway 99. At the same time, a Buick Verano driven by a 94-year-old man was traveling southbound on Highway 99 and entered the left-turn lane to proceed onto eastbound Highway 20.

Preliminary information indicates that the driver of the Buick Verano failed to stop for a red signal light and turned directly in front of the oncoming semi-truck. The semi-truck driver attempted to stop but was unable to avoid the collision. The driver of the Buick was transported to Adventist Rideout Hospital with major injuries. The semi-truck driver was not injured. At this stage of the investigation, neither speed nor alcohol/drugs appear to be contributing factors.

The Yuba City Traffic Unit is continuing to obtain witness statements and review available surveillance footage before making a final determination regarding the cause of the collision.