WALDO, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol said a driver trying to elude law enforcement authorities was involved in a fatal crash in Alachua County early Saturday morning.
The Gainesville Sun reports the incident began when the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office requested the FHP’s help in pursuing a Honda CRV recently stolen from Alachua County.
State troopers said some of the vehicle’s occupants appeared to be wearing ski masks, and that the Honda exited U.S. 301 onto State Road 24 in the Waldo area.
MARION COUNTY, FL – A crash involving an SUV and a motorcycle left two people dead on Friday night, WKMG reported.
The vehicles collided in the area of State Road 25 and SE 104th Trail at about 1o p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The FHP said the driver of the SUV was turning left at the intersection but did not check for traffic and crashed into a motorcycle heading east on SR-25. A 25-year-old man and 22-year-old woman on the motorcycle were ejected from the bike, and both died at the scene.
The open road provides an exciting sense of adventure and freedom, but it also carries several risks, particularly when there are distractions that come into play. Distractions behind the wheel can have disastrous results, whether it is glancing at a text message, fiddling with the radio, or just daydreaming. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month—a great opportunity to refocus and take ownership of the decisions we make when driving. There are many ways drivers can become distracted while driving. Here are some of the most common ways drivers lose their focus on the road:
Electronic gadgets: Due to the widespread use of cellphones and entertainment systems in cars, drivers are seriously distracted by electronic gadgets. Distracted driving can occur when texting, making calls, or scrolling through apps. If it is too tempting to check your phone, consider placing it in your console or keeping it in your backseat where it is out of reach until you get to your destination.
Manual distractions: Changing the radio, eating, drinking, or reaching for items inside the car can all cause drivers to take their hands off the wheel, which impairs their control of their vehicle.
Visual distractions: Reading a billboard, admiring the view, or even glancing at a GPS unit are just a few examples of actions that can divert a driver’s attention from the road and increase the chance of an accident.
Cognitive distractions: Drivers’ ability to respond to changing traffic conditions can be delayed by mental diversions like daydreaming, engaging in chats with fellow passengers or children, or even being wrapped up in personal concerns.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, even a two-second distraction from the road increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident by double. Here are some tips for staying focused while driving:
Limit your use of electronic devices: If you must make a call, try using hands-free technology and keep your phone out of reach. Before you begin driving, program your GPS or set your music playlists.
Remind yourself to stay alert: Focus on the task at hand and avoid distractions.
Prepare before you drive: Adjust the mirrors, seat posture, and climate controls before you begin driving. To reduce the need for physical distractions, make sure anything you might need during your journey is easily accessible.
Take Breaks: Stop at a safe spot and take a quick break if you feel emotionally or physically exhausted. Stretch your legs, grab some fresh air, and refuel before getting back on the road.
Reduce cognitive diversions: When it is safe, engage in meaningful conversations with passengers, but steer clear of issues that require intense focus. If you notice that your thoughts are wandering, take a moment to return your focus to the road.
During the month of April, you may see more police on the roads as part of the NHTSA’s national campaign Put the Phone Away or Pay. This campaign serves as a warning to drivers about the grave risks of texting and driving, as well as the associated penalties and fines. Continue reading
CITRUS COUNTY, FL – A motorcyclist was injured in a collision with a Citrus County Sheriff’s Office vehicle on Wednesday morning, according to the Citrus County Chronicle.
The rider was part of an escort brigade for the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Procession. The incident happened as the brigade was heading towards a Harley Davidson facility on U.S. 19/98 in Homosassa Springs.
The sheriff’s office said that as the escort reached West Homosassa Trail in Lecanto at about 9:45 a.m., one of the motorcyclists hit a Public Service Officer vehicle with the sheriff’s office.
MARION COUNTY, FL – State troopers said a Marion County sanitation worker was killed in an accident on Tuesday morning, according to WKMG.
It happened as the worker was loading garbage within the Spruce Creek subdivision on Southeast 108th Terrace.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the man was hit by a tire from the garbage truck at about 9 a.m. The worker, a 25-year-old Ocala man, was pronounced dead by Marion County Fire Rescue.
As we travel the busy roads and highways of our daily commute, it is easy to ignore the many construction crews and infrastructure projects that maintain safety and function on our Florida roadways. Work zone accidents claim hundreds of lives each year, highlighting the urgent need for increased knowledge and safety precautions.
Work Zone Awareness Week, recognized by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in conjunction with numerous other transportation partners, construction crews, and law enforcement agencies, serves as a real reminder of the people behind the orange cones and flashing lights. According to FDOT data, there were 277 major injuries and 293 fatalities in construction zones throughout the state between 2020 and 2023. Work Zone Awareness Week takes place this year from April 15-19 and aims to inform and increase awareness about the significance of safe driving practices in and near work zones.
FDOT will experience Work Zone Awareness Week differently this year, since a team member died in January after being killed by a driver while putting up a work zone. This tragic loss to the FDOT team serves as a sharp reminder of the hazards crews face when carrying out their job duties despite the risks involved, and that safety on our roads is everyone’s responsibility.
Work zones are dynamic areas in which workers are frequently within a few feet from fast-moving traffic. The mix of heavy machinery, unexpected road conditions, and distracted drivers can lead to disaster. More than half of these crashes between 2020 and 2023 were caused by front-to-rear impact collisions, underscoring the importance of being alert when driving through a work zone, particularly when it calls for frequent stops and slowed traffic to protect workers and other road users.
Encouraging Safety in Work Zones
Ensuring the safety of all road users, specifically construction workers, is a critical responsibility of drivers. We may reduce the risks connected with work zones by being alert, patient, and compliant with traffic laws. The following are some vital pointers to remember:
Reduce your speed and focus
It is crucial to slow down and remain vigilant when entering a work zone. Maintain a safe distance behind the car in front of you, and be ready for lane closures or abrupt stops. 2. Pay attention to instructions and signs
Observe signage carefully, and heed any instructions given by flaggers or construction workers. Ignoring warnings or attempting to navigate around barriers can endanger lives.
Merge early and stay in your lane
In order to prevent last-minute maneuvers, merge into the proper lane well before you reach the work zone. Changing lanes in a work zone can be confusing and elevate the risk of collisions. 4. Eliminate distractions
Put your phone away, avoid eating and drinking, and concentrate entirely on the task of driving. In a work zone, minor diversions could result in significant consequences.
Be patient
Though delays and other inconveniences are fleeting, driving recklessly can have long-lasting consequences. Be patient, and show respect to other drivers and construction workers.
The nature of road construction work can be hazardous, but drivers can contribute to making it safer for everyone by keeping an eye out for changing traffic patterns, driving attentively, obeying work zone speed limits, avoiding all distractions, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. Responsible driving behaviors by everyone can ensure that we all get home safe. Continue reading
LAKE COUNTY, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol said an accident in Lake County late Monday night claimed the life of a teenage pedestrian.
According to a report by the Leesburg News, the incident took place on U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont shortly before midnight.
The FHP stated that an 18-year-old male was walking across the northbound lanes of the highway near Lake Louisa Road and was struck by a northbound 2010 Acura RDX SUV. The pedestrian, a Kissimmee resident, died at the scene.
MARION COUNTY, FL – A Marion County school bus was struck from behind by a vehicle on County Road 326 on Thursday morning, WKMG reports.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the bus was heading east at about 9 a.m. when the driver slowed down for a bus stop ahead of it just east of County Road 225A.
The driver of an eastbound Mercedes Benz failed to slow down or stop and crashed into the rear of the bus. 50 students were on board at the time. The students were evaluated at the scene for minor complaints, but no one had to go to the hospital.
It can be extremely stressful to be a passenger in an automobile accident. It is critical to understand what to do in the aftermath to make sure you get the care you need, safeguard your legal rights, and get justly compensated for your injuries.
Get Medical Care Right Away
The first and most important action after suffering injuries in an automobile accident as a passenger is to seek emergency medical care. It is vital to have your condition assessed by a medical professional, even if you think your injuries are insignificant. Certain injuries may not present themselves right away, but once the adrenaline has worn off from your accident, your condition may worsen.
ODESSA, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol said a man riding a motorcycle was killed in a collision in Pasco County on Tuesday night.
The Tampa Free Press reports the incident occurred at the intersection of State Road 54 and Fencepost Drive at about 9 p.m.
The FHP’s investigation determined that the operator of a Harley Davidson motorcycle was heading west on SR-54 when he stopped at Fencepost Drive for an oncoming fire truck that was responding to a service call.
