MANATEE COUNTY – A tragic crash Friday afternoon at a busy Parrish intersection claimed the life of a 71-year-old woman, the Florida Highway Patrol has confirmed.

The crash occurred at approximately 1:19 PM on May 9, 2025, at the intersection of US 301 (SR 43) and County Road 675 (Rutland Road).

According to the report, a 71-year-old woman from Parrish was driving a Toyota Prius traveling west on CR 675 and had entered the left turn lane at the intersection with US 301.

At the same time, a 34-year-old Palmetto man was driving a Ram 1500 pickup truck northbound in the right lane of US 301, approaching the same intersection.

The investigation indicates that the driver of the Prius failed to stop for a steady red traffic signal and entered the intersection, directly into the path of the oncoming pickup truck. The front of the pickup collided with the left side of the Prius.

The woman driving the Prius sustained serious injuries and was transported to South Shore Hospital in Sun City Center, where she was pronounced deceased. The pickup truck driver was reported to be wearing a seatbelt and was not listed as injured in the report.

The Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit continues to investigate the crash.

Stay Alert at Intersections, Distraction Can Turn Deadly in Seconds

Crashes at intersections are among the most dangerous, and running a red light—whether by misjudgment, distraction, or urgency—can lead to devastating consequences.

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

• More than 900 people are killed each year in red light running crashes in the U.S.
• Over half of those killed are not the violators themselves, but occupants of other vehicles, passengers, or pedestrians.
• Florida remains among the top states for intersection-related crashes and fatalities.

To stay safe:

• Always approach intersections with caution, even if you think the light will stay green.
• Never try to “beat the light.” A few seconds saved is not worth the risk.
• When turning left at a signalized intersection, ensure you have a green arrow or a clear, protected opportunity.

Intersections demand extra attention. Let this tragedy serve as a reminder to all drivers to obey traffic signals and remain alert—especially when making turns across traffic.

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