A single-vehicle incident occurred today in Novato, CA, when a driver drove off the roadway into a ditch along the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 101 near the Ignacio Boulevard on-ramp. The California Highway Patrol received the first report of the incident at approximately 4:07 PM, indicating that the vehicle had possibly veered off the road.
By 4:09 PM, authorities confirmed that the vehicle was located approximately 100 to 200 feet off the roadway, resting in a ditch. The vehicle was visible from the road, and initial reports indicated that the extent of injuries was unknown. However, by 4:22 PM, the California Highway Patrol reclassified the incident to "No Injuries," confirming that no individuals were harmed during the event.
Emergency services discovered an animal inside the vehicle, adding an unusual element to the situation. The driver, unharmed, managed to walk to a nearby Shell gas station for assistance shortly after the incident. Emergency services arrived on the scene at 4:29 PM and worked to assess the situation, clearing the scene by 4:48 PM.
The vehicle, described as a bright blue pickup truck, was found down the ditch on the right-hand side of the highway. While there was no information provided regarding whether the vehicle was drivable or required towing, the swift response from the California Highway Patrol and other emergency services ensured that the situation was handled efficiently.
Motorists traveling along U.S. Highway 101 in Novato may have experienced brief delays due to the incident, but the roadway has since returned to normal conditions. The California Highway Patrol continues to remind drivers to remain vigilant and cautious while on the road to prevent similar incidents.