PARRISH, MANATEE COUNTY – The Florida Highway Patrol has reported a fatal collision happened early Monday morning on U.S. 301 at the intersection with Colony Drive South resulting in the death of a 78-year-old Ellenton man, and another man being seriously injured.
The crash unfolded as a 78-year-old man from Ellenton driving a pickup truck was traveling southbound on U.S. 301, occupying the left turn lane to Colony Drive South.
At the same time, a 23-year-old man from Ellenton was driving a Hyundai Sonata sedan heading northbound in the outside lane and approaching the intersection with the pickup truck.
According to FHP, at 6:36 AM the pickup truck attempted to turn left onto Colony Drive South, crossing directly into the path of the northbound sedan driven by the 23-year-old Ellenton man.
As a result the left portion of the sedan, collided with the right front of the pickup truck. The impact redirected the pickup truck onto the paved shoulder of U.S. 301, where it came to rest facing north. The sedan veered onto the grassy shoulder and came to rest facing southeast.
The driver of the pickup truck was pronounced deceased at the scene by Manatee County EMS. The sedan driver sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Blake Hospital for treatment.
The Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit is actively investigating the crash.
The High Risks of Left-Turn Crashes
Left-turn crashes remain a leading cause of accidents, particularly at intersections, where misjudgment and reduced visibility often play a role. Tragically, these types of collisions are both frequent and preventable.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- 42% of crashes involving motorcycles or other vehicles happen when a vehicle is making a left turn.
- Left-turn accidents often result in more severe outcomes due to the angle and speed of impact.
Drivers are urged to:
- Always look twice. Before committing to a turn, ensure all oncoming lanes are clear of traffic.
- Wait for a safe gap. It’s better to wait than to risk a collision.
- Be especially cautious at busy intersections. Cross traffic may be traveling at high speeds.
Taking an extra moment to ensure the way is clear can prevent a lifetime of regret. Let’s all commit to safer habits on the road to reduce these preventable tragedies.
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