A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that rear-end collisions are the most frequently occurring kind of collision in the United States. Each year, of all collisions, 1.7 million, or 29%, are rear-end collisions, causing injury to 500,000 people and 1700 deaths. The National Transportation Safety Board report found that 87% of these collisions are caused by a distracted driver. Distractions can include texting, eating, adjusting the radio or other in-vehicle technologies, including climate control. Many states now have laws prohibiting using a cell phone while driving due to collisions distracted driving causes.
WFTV reports that 3 family members, including a child, have been killed in a crash in Osceola County.
The crash occurred Tuesday evening at about 5:30 P.M. on State Route 429 at Sinclair Road in Osceola County.
A pickup truck rear-ended the van that was carrying eight people, despite only having seven seats. The impact of the truck hitting the van caused the van to overturn. The truck then struck two other vehicles.
41-year-old Julie Smith, 5-year-old Scarlett Smith, and 76-year-old Josephine Fay all died due to the injuries they suffered in the accident. The family was from South Weymouth, Massachusetts.
An 11-year-old boy suffered from serious injuries and was in critical condition. Two men were injured and were in stable condition. Scarlett Smith’s twin sister and a 10-year-old girl were not injured.
The accident closed all southbound lanes of State Road 429.