One Injured in Multi-Vehicle Collision Near Gaviota Tunnel

A woman was injured in a multi-vehicle crash that occurred on Highway 101, north of the Gaviota Tunnel, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department said.

The first vehicle struck a deer crossing the highway on October 12, 2025. The impact triggered a chain reaction that involved three additional vehicles.  

The injured woman was transported by ground ambulance to the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. No further injuries were reported in the other vehicles.

Multiple Vehicle Collision: Hwy 101 NB, just north of the Gaviota Tunnel. Four vehicles were involved. The first vehicle struck a deer crossing the highway. A passenger (adult female) in that vehicle sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to Santa Barbara… pic.twitter.com/sDvCA7bX1w

— Scott Safechuck (@SBCFireInfo) October 13, 2025

The California Highway Patrol temporarily closed the #2 northbound lane to manage the scene. By 9:16 p.m., the fire department had cleared the area. 

The incident comes on the heels of the vehicle collision on Highway 1 near Lompoc on October 8, 2025. The accident injured two people and killed an unborn baby. A Calstar helicopter landed on Highway 1 for the two-vehicle collision on SR-1.

Wildlife-vehicle Collisions

Across California, deer-related accidents are a growing problem. Between 2017 and 2018, 15 people died and 810 people were injured in over 4,000 collisions with animals in California, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The deer population migrates to lower elevations during the cooler months. Deer tend to cross roads and highways when traveling between feeding and cover areas, often following pathways that lead them into traffic corridors.

There is increased deer movement during the breeding season in the fall months. Often, deer stray into unfamiliar terrain at this time.

Vehicle collisions kill more than 48,000 deer on California roads, UC Davis found in a study in 2024. More than twice as many deer die from car accidents in the state as from hunting.

Safety Tips for Drivers

• Slow down and stay vigilant in areas with wildlife signage or known deer habitat areas, such as streams and rivers.
• Use high beam to improve visibility.
• Avoid sudden swerving and reduce your speed around curves.
• Be extra alert at dawn and dusk. This is when wildlife is usually the most active.
• Exercise caution if you spot an animal on or near the road, as there is a good chance more are nearby. 

 What to Do if You Hit a Deer

• Pull over safely: Steer your vehicle to the side of the road and stop in a safe spot.
• Turn on your hazard lights: This helps alert other drivers.
• Stay in your car until it’s safe: If you’re on a busy road, it’s often safer to remain inside your vehicle until help arrives or traffic clears.
• Call for help: If someone is injured, call 911 immediately.
• Keep your distance from the deer: Even if it looks calm or injured, a deer can react unpredictably and might try to kick or run. If the deer is still in the road, let authorities know so they can respond quickly and remove it safely.