NORTH PORT – A violent head-on collision early Tuesday morning claimed two lives and left one person seriously injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at approximately 3:35 AM on River Road near the intersection of West Villages Parkway.

FHP reports indicate that a sedan traveling southbound on River Road drifted across the center line into the northbound lane, directly into the path of an approaching SUV. The vehicles collided head-on, causing the sedan to become engulfed in flames. The SUV overturned onto the shoulder of the roadway.

The driver and passenger of the sedan were both pronounced deceased at the scene. Positive identification of the victims is pending. The driver of the SUV, a 64-year-old North Port woman, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Drivers Stay Alert: Both Drowsy Driving and Distracted Driving Exact A Grim Toll On Florida’s Roads

While the specific cause of this tragic crash is still unknown, it highlights how just one mistake while driving can have dire consequences. Fatigue and distraction are leading contributors to severe accidents, and their impact can be as dangerous as driving under the influence.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Drowsy driving accounts for approximately 100,000 crashes, 50,000 injuries, and 800 fatalities annually in the United States.
• Drivers who have been awake for 18 hours perform similarly to drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%.
• Distracted driving killed over 3,500 people in the U.S. in 2021, with texting being one of the most dangerous forms of distraction.

We urge all drivers to prioritize safety by:

1. Avoiding driving when fatigued, even if it means delaying a trip.
2. Staying focused on the road and avoiding the use of mobile devices while driving.
3. Taking frequent breaks on long trips to rest and recharge.

Driving demands full attention. By staying alert and avoiding distractions, we can all help prevent devastating accidents like this one.

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