Driver dies in U-turn crash in Madera — second such collision in less than week

For the second time in less than a week, a failed U-turn led to a fatal collision in Madera.

A 41-year-old woman was killed after making a U-turn directly in front of oncoming traffic around 12:15 a.m. Jan. 8 on Road 28½, north of Harper Boulevard east of Madera, California Highway Patrol reported.

On Wednesday, the Madera County Coroner’s office identified the woman as Lashirah B. Bullard from Compton.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts. A passenger in her car was injured and taken to a hospital, according to CHP. A second driver, whose car broadsided the other and veered out of control and into a ditch, was uninjured.

According to a social media post on Wednesday, the crash is still under investigation. It is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash, pending a toxicology report.

Fatal crash on Highway 145

Earlier that week, three people were hospitalized in a similar crash on Highway 145 near Highway 41.

One person died the following day. The 77-year-old woman was the passenger in a car that attempted to make a U-turn across Highway 145.

In its post on Wednesday, the CHP reiterated some tips for making safe U-turns.

* Before making the turn, ask “Can I do it safely?”

* Look for signs where U-turns are restricted.

* Make sure you have clear visibility in both directions.

* Yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

* Never make a U-turn on curves, hills or where visibility is limited.

This story was originally published January 14, 2026 at 2:27 PM.