February 6, 2026 – Merced County, CA – Merced CHP officials report that on February 5, 2026, at approximately 8:31 a.m. Merced Communications Center (MCC) received a report of head on crash between an SUV and sedan in the area of Oakdale Road, east of Fisher Road. Upon arrival on scene, CHP officers determined this to be a major injury crash involving two vehicles. Preliminary investigation determined a 21-year-old female out of Turlock, CA, was driving a Toyota Prius sedan eastbound on Oakdale Road, east of Fisher Road at an unknown rate of speed.

Mr. Steve Pinocchio, 45, out of Merced, CA, was driving a Chevrolet Suburban SUV westbound on Oakdale Road, east of Fisher Road at 50 mph. According to eyewitnesses and the involved, the driver of the Toyota was attempting to pass slower moving vehicles in foggy weather conditions. Mr. Pinocchio turned his vehicle to the right to avoid a crash; however he was unable to safely turn the Chevrolet to avoid the crash. The SUV’s front end hit the Toyota’s front end within the westbound lane of Oakdale Road.

After the crash, Good Samaritans stopped at the scene and performed CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on the female driver, but unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries. Mr. Pinocchio and three juvenile passengers in the SUV sustained moderate to major injuries and were transported to Mercy Medical Center for treatment.

Mr. Pinocchio remained at the scene and was cooperative. Alcohol and/or drugs do not appear to be a factor in this crash.

This traffic crash is under investigation, for media inquiries please contact Public Information Officer Eric C. Zuniga at (209) 356-6608. If anyone has information regarding this crash, you can contact Investigating Officer Gabriel Bautista at (209) 356-6600.

The California Highway Patrol wants to remind everyone to slow down, manually turn on the lights, use the low beams, leave extra space, and never pass in the fog. Fog doesn’t give a second chance. Stay in your lane. Stay alive.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Source: Merced CHP