• A driver in a red minivan stopped on a busy highway after missing an exit, causing a multi-vehicle pile-up. This situation highlights common driver causes for highway accidents.
• The driver fled the scene, leaving the crash victims behind with minor injuries. This behavior exemplifies driver causes of chaotic accident scenes.
• ODOT warns drivers not to stop on highways and suggests continuing to the next exit if missed. Ignoring such advice is often one of the top driver causes for highway collisions.

A driver caused a major accident in Columbus, Ohio, on April 30, 2025. The driver of a red minivan stopped in the middle of a busy highway after missing an exit. This dangerous move led to a pile-up involving multiple vehicles. The incident took place on Interstate 71 South around 5:25 p.m. on a Wednesday.

Minivan Stops in the Middle of a Three-Lane Highway

The red minivan was traveling in the middle lane of a three-lane section on the freeway. Suddenly, the driver brought the vehicle to a complete stop. The driver seemed to have missed an exit and decided to wait for the right lane to clear before merging. This stopped vehicle created a hazard for other drivers on the highway. Other vehicles drove around the minivan, trying to avoid it. But the situation quickly escalated due to typical driver causes related to decision-making.

The Chain Reaction Leads to a Pile-Up

Soon after the minivan stopped, a large silver van crashed into two other vehicles that had also stopped behind it. The crash caused a pile-up that blocked traffic. Fortunately, no one suffered life-threatening injuries, but the vehicles involved were heavily damaged. The drivers of the vehicles only experienced minor injuries such as bumps and bruises.

The Red Minivan Driver Flees the Scene

After the crash, the driver of the red minivan fled the scene. They quickly drove off onto I-670, leaving the scene of the accident. The police are still investigating the incident and searching for the driver responsible, focusing on the driver causes that led to such reckless behavior.

ODOT Warns Drivers About Dangerous Behavior

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) shared footage of the incident to warn drivers about the dangers of stopping on the highway. The department posted a strong message: “Do not be this driver.” They stressed how stopping in the middle of the road, especially after missing an exit, is extremely dangerous. ODOT hopes to educate other drivers to avoid making the same mistake.

What to Do If You Miss an Exit

Matt Bruning, a spokesperson for ODOT, explained the importance of continuing down the road if you miss an exit. He called stopping on the highway “the worst thing you could do.” He advised drivers to avoid panicking if they miss their exit. There are plenty of ramps and exits along Ohio highways, so it’s safer to keep driving and find another way off the road.

Why Stopping on the Highway Is So Dangerous

Stopping on a busy highway can be deadly. Other drivers do not expect vehicles to suddenly stop in the middle of the road. This can lead to crashes, as drivers may not have time to react. It’s important to stay alert and never stop in a dangerous situation. Always look for a safe spot to pull over, such as a shoulder or a nearby exit ramp.

The Aftermath of the Crash

Although the crash caused significant damage to the vehicles, the injuries were not serious. The crash served as a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong on the road. It’s critical for drivers to think ahead and avoid risky behavior. The situation could have been much worse if the drivers had been going faster or if the crash had involved more vehicles.