[05-11-2025] Merced County, CA – One Person Killed After Vehicle Crashes Into Canal on Highway 165 Near Santa Fe Grade in Los Banos

One person was killed after crashing into a canal during an attempted passing maneuver on Highway 165 near Santa Fe Grade in Los Banos early Sunday morning, May 11, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 3:30 a.m. Authorities reported that the driver of one vehicle attempted to pass another car, leading to a collision between the two.

The passing vehicle veered off the roadway and into a canal. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of the next of kin.

The driver of the second vehicle was not seriously injured and is expected to recover.

Investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash. The incident remains under investigation.

Contact Our DUI Accident Lawyers In Los Banos, CA

DUI accidents can result in fatal or serious injuries, leaving victims’ families with significant emotional, physical, and financial burdens. Learning about possible legal options may help you make informed decisions after a DUI-related collision.

DUI accident victim lawyers in Los Banos can help you explore available legal avenues following an incident. This may include reviewing official reports, assisting with insurance matters, and explaining the process of seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Some families also seek help from Merced County accident attorneys to understand their options better.

In other situations, victims may consult injury attorneys for guidance when long-term physical therapy or medical expenses are involved. More complex incidents, such as vehicle accidents, may require additional legal insight.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI-related accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A DUI Accident In Los Banos, CA

DUI accidents can be serious and life-altering. Taking the right steps afterward may help protect your rights and preserve important evidence:

1. Call 911 And Seek Medical Care
   Contact emergency services immediately and ensure anyone injured receives prompt medical attention. Even injuries that do not appear severe should be checked for hidden trauma.
2. Document The Scene And Vehicle Damage
   If it is safe, take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. This documentation may assist with insurance claims and potential legal matters.
3. Gather Witness Information
   Collect names and contact details of any witnesses. Their statements can help clarify the circumstances of the crash.
4. Consult DUI Accident Victim Lawyers
   Collision lawyers can explain potential legal options, assist with insurance communications, and help preserve time-sensitive evidence. Early legal involvement may help ensure your case is handled appropriately.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

DUI Accident Statistics

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in 2020, 11,654 people were killed in traffic crashes involving at least one alcohol-impaired driver. These fatalities accounted for 30 percent of all traffic-related deaths in the United States that year. The number also marked a 14.3 percent increase compared to 2019, when 10,196 similar deaths were reported.

On average, one person was killed every 45 minutes in an alcohol-related collision during 2020.

Drivers between the ages of 21 and 24, along with those aged 25 to 34, were most often involved in fatal crashes linked to alcohol impairment. Each group represented 26 percent of impaired drivers in these deadly incidents.

Motorcyclists had the highest involvement rate in fatal alcohol-related crashes at 27 percent. Passenger car drivers followed at 23 percent, with light truck drivers at 19 percent and large truck drivers at 3 percent.

Children were not spared from the impact. Of the 1,093 traffic deaths involving children aged 14 and under in 2020, 229 of those fatalities occurred in crashes where an alcohol-impaired driver was involved. This represented 21 percent of all child traffic deaths that year.