An analysis of truck accidents reveals that each year, approximately 5,000 people in passenger vehicles die each year in accidents that involve semi-trucks or eighteen-wheelers. Additionally, about 700 people in the trucks die each year. 64% of all fatal accidents with semi-trucks involved a truck that was pulling just one trailer. Driver fatigue, distracted driving,…
Three Dead After Head-On Crash on U.S. 331
While head-on collisions only account for an estimated 2% of all traffic accidents, they account for over 10% of all traffic fatalities. Head-on accidents can lead to injuries such as spinal injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, paralysis, and other catastrophic injuries. These accidents are often more serious because of the speeds that are involved. There…
Tesla Crash Blamed on Teen Driver Speeding over 100 MPH in 25 Zone
While Tesla certainly has innovated the motor vehicle, offering fully electric vehicles that are stylish and perform well, they are not without problems. One of the first problems is that the “Autopilot” system, sometimes marketed as fully self-driving, is not. The company is facing numerous lawsuits and NHTSA scrutiny over the system, which may have…
Pickup Truck Crashes into Baggage Claim Area in Sarasota
Roadway departure crashes, sometimes called run-off-road collisions, are frequently severe. Because most of these crashes occur at high speeds, they can cause catastrophic injury and even death. Typically, roadway departure accidents are caused by driver error. They have frequently been attributed to driving while intoxicated, distracted driving, overcorrecting, driving while drowsy, and speeding through a…
Former All-Pro Cornerback Charged With DUI
Like a DUI charge in many states, in Florida, a first-time DUI is usually a misdemeanor so long as it involved no injuries or fatalities. However, there are times when a DUI can become a felony. The first is when it is a person’s third DUI in a ten-year period. A fourth DUI offense, regardless…
Family Sues Unlicensed Forklift Driver for Driving into Intersection and Killing Man
The Sun-Sentinel reports that a Fort Lauderdale family is suing the contractors and an unlicensed forklift operator for $25 million. 70-year-old James Zakos was driving his convertible Mercedes Benz with the top down along Fort Lauderdale Beach on November 17th. A forklift being driven by 30-year-old Ulises Mondragon entered the intersection, striking Zakos’ vehicle. The…
T-Bone Crash Happens Near Flagler Palm Coast High School
Side-impact collisions, sometimes called “T-bone” accident, are among some of the deadliest accidents that can occur. They typically occur as a failure to yield, especially at intersections. According to the NHTSA, deaths caused by side-impact crashes have risen by 20% in the last two decades. The popularity of SUVs and faster travel speeds are a…
Gas Leak Destroys Car in Windermere
Fox 35 Orlando reports that a car crash that led to a gas leak caused the car to catch fire and shut down a roadway in Windermere. The incident occurred about three days ago in a Windermere neighborhood. At about 2 a.m., neighbor Aubrey Birden said she heard a loud boom and then felt the…
Motorcyclist Falls On I-75, Crushed By Semi
While an exhilarating way to get around, motorcycles are by their nature, less safe than passenger vehicles. Not only do they not offer the rider any protection, but they are also less visible than other vehicles. In 2016, there were 5,286 deaths in motorcycle accidents. That was up 5.1% from the number in 2015. The…
Man Arrested for Wrecking Car at 100 MPH
NBC-2 reports that a Florida man was busted for speeding at 100 m.p.h. and causing a wreck. The crash occurred on September 24th. Jivon Rodriguez was driving 102 m.p.h. on Del Prado Boulevard South, which is a 45-m.p.h. zone. As Franklin Mihacy attempted to turn left onto SE 14th Street, he turned into the path of…
Four Vehicle Crash On U.S. 301 Leaves One Dead
My Sun Coast reports that the victim in a fatal multi-vehicle crash on U.S. 301 has been identified. The crash occurred just before 10 a.m. on Tuesday. 38-year old Nathan Taylor was driving a 2001 Ford van. As he approached 63rd Avenue East, he failed to see that traffic ahead of him was slowing down….
Alleged Drunk Driver Crashes Head-On into Police Cruiser in Gadsden County
Most people are aware of the dangers involved with driving while intoxicated, but the problem still persists. Although Florida ranks pretty low when it comes to DUIs compared with other states, there is still a serious issue. In 2016, there were 5,223 alcohol-related crashes. 417 of those crashes were fatal. Alcohol-related does not necessarily mean…
FHP Investigating Fatal Head-On Collision in Madison County
WTXL Tallahassee reports that the Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a head-on crash that was fatal in Madison County. The accident happened on Tuesday at 11:34 p.m. on Interstate-10 near mile marker 260 in Madison County, the Florida Highway Patrol reported. A Subaru Outback was being driven the wrong way in the westbound lane of I-10….
Confusion About Flags Leads to Boat Hitting Snorkler and Severing His Arm
In 2014, Florida boating regulations changed their requirements for how divers notify vessels they are in an area. The legislation was passed as a means of increasing diver visibility. The previous law required only a “divers down flag” and divers had to stay within a certain range of the flags. Now, divers who are diving…
Wrong-Way Crash On I-95 Tangles Up Four Vehicles
Although wrong-way crashes make up only a small percentage of all overall crashes, they often make for terrifying and sensational headlines. The truth is that due to the nature of wrong-way collisions, they do cause more serious injuries and fatalities than other types of freeway crashes. Wrong-way crashes are generally head-on crashes that take place…
Donut Stunt Causes SUV to Flip Over and Crush Passenger
His origins are debatable, but most date the origin of the internet sensation “Florida Man” to a 2013 Twitter feed that went viral. It concerned the story of a Floridian named Scott Simon who apparently butt-dialed 911 to be overheard discussing murder plans. What may have been a viable conspiracy charge soon devolved into lunacy…
Girl Dies After Alligator Alley Crash
The Naples News reports that an 8-year-old girl has succumbed to her injuries in an Alligator Alley crash. The crash occurred last Wednesday, at about 12:45 p.m. near mile marker 85 on Alligator Alley in Naples. Only one vehicle was involved in the crash. 36-year-old Junior Chery was driving west on the inside of Interstate 75…
Hialeah Crash Ends in Death, Driver Flees
Local 10 News reports that a hit-and-run crash is responsible for the death of one woman and the hospitalization of two others. According to the Hialeah Police Department, a hit-and-run crash left one woman dead and two others hospitalized. The crash occurred at about 1 a.m. on Friday near the intersection of East First Avenue and East…
State Pulls Particular Guardrails Due to Impalement Risk
You’ve probably seen guardrails all over interstates, highways, and surface roadways. The guardrail is, first and foremost, a safety barrier meant to protect a vehicle that has left the roadway. Officials estimate that cable guardrails can save up to 13 lives and prevent up to 51 serious injuries each year. When a guardrail is used,…
Two Seriously Injured in Crash With Gulfport Police Cruiser
When it comes to law enforcement officers, encounters with criminals are not the leading cause of death. The leading cause of death is traffic accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, between 2005 and 2016, 564 law enforcement officers were killed in traffic crashes. This comprises 31% of all deaths that occurred in the…