January 25, 2025 | Bradenton, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol announced a tragic fatal accident that occurred early Saturday evening on U.S. Route 41 at the intersection with 69th Avenue West in Manatee County, resulting in the death of a 63-year-old man from Omaha.

The crash took place as a 33-year-old man from Bradenton was driving a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) southbound on U.S. 41 in the middle lane, north of 69th Avenue West.

At the same time, a 63-year-old man from Omaha, NE, was walking east across the southbound travel lanes of U.S. 41 and entered the path of the southbound SUV.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), at 7:20 PM, the SUV collided with the pedestrian as he attempted to cross the roadway. The front of the SUV struck the man, causing fatal injuries.

Casualties and Injuries

The impact of the crash was severe:

• Pedestrian: A 63-year-old male from Omaha, NE, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Manatee County EMS.

The driver of the SUV was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. No helmets were involved as the vehicles were not motorcycles.

Road Conditions and Safety Measures

U.S. Route 41 is a major corridor in Manatee County, connecting several key intersections and experiencing heavy traffic, especially during evening hours. The area is known for its high volume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, emphasizing the need for heightened caution.

The High Risks of Pedestrian Crossings

Pedestrian-related accidents remain a significant concern, particularly at busy intersections where misjudgment and inattentiveness can lead to severe outcomes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• 25% of pedestrian fatalities occur at intersections.
• 40% of these accidents involve vehicles traveling at high speeds.
• 60% of pedestrian accidents happen during peak traffic hours.

Drivers are urged to:

Always Yield to Pedestrians: Ensure pedestrians have completely crossed before proceeding.

• Observe Speed Limits: Maintain safe speeds, especially in areas with high pedestrian activity.
• Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as mobile devices while driving.
• Use Turn Signals: Clearly indicate lane changes and turns to alert pedestrians and other drivers.
• Improve Visibility: Ensure vehicle lights are functioning properly to enhance visibility during dusk and nighttime hours.

Implementing these practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of pedestrian-related accidents.

The collision on U.S. Route 41 and 69th Avenue West serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and pedestrian awareness. As investigations continue, authorities remain committed to uncovering all factors that contributed to this devastating accident and implementing measures to prevent future tragedies.

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