Driver Distracted by Approaching Tidal Wave Causes Rear-End Crash on Coastal Highway. A routine morning commute turned chaotic along a coastal highway on Tuesday when a driver rear-ended another vehicle after becoming distracted by a massive tidal wave forming offshore, authorities said. According to police reports, traffic had slowed as motorists noticed an unusual retreat of the ocean followed by a towering wall of water rising in the distance. Several drivers reportedly reduced speed or stopp