January 25, 2025 | Bradenton, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol announced a tragic fatal accident that occurred early Monday morning at approximately 9:45 AM on State Road 70 at the intersection with Interstate 75 in Manatee County. The collision resulted in the death of a 77-year-old woman and left her 78-year-old male passenger critically injured. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, which involved a sedan and a semi-truck.

At around 9:45 AM, a sedan driven by a 77-year-old female resident of Bradenton, FL, was traveling eastbound in the outside travel lane of State Road 70, approaching the southbound ramp onto Interstate 75. Simultaneously, a semi-truck operated by a 58-year-old male from Sarasota, FL, was moving eastbound in the #2 travel lane of the same roadway, also nearing the southbound exit ramp.

According to the preliminary investigation led by Trooper Falluca, the driver of the sedan made an improper lane change from the eastbound outside travel lane directly into the path of the semi-truck. This sudden maneuver left the truck with insufficient time to react, resulting in a collision where the front of the semi-truck struck the left side of the sedan.

Casualties and Injuries

The impact of the crash was severe:

• Driver of (Sedan): Pronounced deceased at the scene by Manatee County EMS.
• Passenger in sedan: A 78-year-old male from Bradenton, FL, sustained critical injuries and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for emergency medical care.
• Driver of (Semi-Truck): Reportedly unharmed in the crash.

Both occupants of the sedan were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident, which likely mitigated the severity of the injuries sustained by the passenger. No helmets were involved as the vehicles were not motorcycles.

Road Conditions and Safety Measures

State Road 70 is a busy corridor connecting several major roads, including Interstate 75. The area is known for heavy traffic, especially during peak hours, making it imperative for drivers to exercise caution during lane changes and merges.

The High Risks of Improper Lane Changes

Improper lane changes remain a significant cause of traffic accidents, particularly in high-traffic areas where sudden maneuvers can lead to severe collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• 30% of all traffic accidents involve improper lane changes.
• 25% of these accidents result in fatal outcomes.
• 50% of lane-change-related crashes occur during peak traffic hours.

Drivers are urged to:

• Always Check Blind Spots: Before changing lanes, ensure there are no vehicles in your blind spots.
• Signal Intentions Clearly: Use turn signals well in advance to indicate lane changes to other drivers.
• Maintain Safe Following Distances: Keeping a safe distance allows more time to react to sudden movements by other drivers.
• Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road and avoid using mobile devices while driving.
• Adapt to Road Conditions: Adjust driving behavior based on traffic flow, weather, and visibility conditions.

Implementing these practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by improper lane changes.

The collision on State Road 70 and Interstate 75 serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of safe driving practices, especially in high-traffic areas. As investigations continue, authorities remain committed to uncovering all factors that contributed to this devastating accident and implementing measures to prevent future tragedies.

For ongoing updates on this incident, stay tuned to local news outlets and official statements from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

The post Bradenton Woman Killed, And Man Injured In Crash With Semi On State Road 70 Saturday appeared first on Justice Pays.