MANATEE COUNTY – A tragic crash Wednesday night claimed the life of a 90-year-old Lakewood Ranch man after his vehicle entered an intersection against a red traffic signal and collided with an SUV, the Florida Highway Patrol reported.

The accident occurred at approximately 9:05 PM at the intersection of State Road 70 and River Club Boulevard.

According to FHP, the 90-year-old driver was stopped in his sedan, facing north at a red light on River Club Boulevard.

At the same time, a sport utility vehicle, driven by a 33-year-old Bradenton man, was traveling east in the left lane of State Road 70, approaching the intersection with a green traffic signal.

For reasons still under investigation, the sedan proceeded into the intersection against the red light, directly into the path of the oncoming SUV. The SUV struck the right side of the sedan.

Emergency responders transported the driver of the sedan to an area hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the SUV was uninjured.

The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation.

Red-Light Running

Running a red light is one of the most dangerous traffic violations, often leading to severe or fatal crashes. Intersections are already high-risk areas, and failing to obey traffic signals significantly increases the likelihood of serious injury or death.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

Red-light running is responsible for over 900 fatalities and 116,000 injuries each year in the U.S.
More than half of all people killed in red-light running crashes are not the violators themselves, but passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers.

Older drivers may face longer reaction times and difficulty judging the speed of approaching vehicles, increasing the risk of intersection-related crashes.

To stay safe at intersections:

Always obey traffic signals. Never proceed through a red light, even if the intersection appears clear.
Look both ways before entering an intersection. Even when you have the right of way, remain alert for other vehicles.

Drive defensively. Anticipate that other drivers may make mistakes and be prepared to react safely.

Intersections demand heightened awareness from all drivers. Taking an extra moment to ensure the way is clear can prevent tragic accidents like this one.

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