A Santa Barbara resident was taken to Cottage Hospital after being involved in a three-car collision on Hwy 154 at approximately 8:20 a.m.. Monday morning.

The automobile accident that involved a white Ford van, a black BMW and a 1991 metallic green Volkswagen Golf, occurred about a mile east of Cachuma Village. According to the Highway Patrol the driver of the Ford van, who was traveling to Los Angeles for work, was heading eastbound and attempted to illegally pass two big rigs heading in the same direction in a no-pass zone.

When the unknown driver of the BMW saw the white van traveling on the wrong side of the road he swerved to the right. The white van side-swiped the black BMW and collided head-on with the green Volkswagen, which was also traveling westbound behind the BMW. All three cars were inoperable and had to be towed. The driver of the Volkswagen Golf suffered moderate to major injuries and was taken to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital by ground ambulance. The other two drivers did not suffer any injuries. There were no arrests. Police say the accident is still under investigation.