Troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol responded to a hit-and-run collision in Brevard County this morning that resulted in the death of two pedestrians.
According to the FHP report, a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer was traveling southbound on Interstate 95 at mile marker 172. At the same time, a 2023 Ram 1500 was parked on the right grassy shoulder on I-95 at mile marker 172, while two surveyors (a 22-year-old Enterprise man and a 41-year-old Deltona man) were walking on the right grassy shoulder.
As it approached, the tractor-trailer ran off the roadway to the right, collided with the parked vehicle, and continued traveling on the grassy shoulder, striking the two pedestrians, who were pronounced deceased at the crash scene.
A passenger in the parked vehicle reported no injuries to the FHP.
After the crash, the tractor-trailer driver fled the scene.
Troopers later located the suspected vehicle on I-95 southbound in Palm Beach County and have a suspect in custody.
The crash remains under investigation.
The FHP did not release the names of the driver, pedestrians, or passenger involved in the crash.
This breaking news story may be updated if more details are known.
*****
Leaving the scene of a crash that results in property damage, injury, or death is against the law. The Florida Highway Patrol is reminding Floridians about the consequences of leaving the scene of a crash and the challenges law enforcement face when investigating a hit-and-run crash. If involved in a crash, stay at the scene, call for help, and follow these steps:
- Make sure you and any passengers are okay. Remain calm.
- If possible, move to the side of the road. Remove your keys if you leave your vehicle, move off the roadway, and stay in a safe area.
- Check on others involved. Call 911 if anyone might be injured or if a vehicle is inoperable.
- If there are no injuries or significant property damage, gather information. Get the name, driver's license, insurance, and tag information from the other driver(s). Take photos of the vehicles and information if you can’t write it down and then file a report online. Learn more about hit-and-run penalties here.
Move Over, it’s the Law!
- Move over; it’s the law. If you cannot change lanes, you must slow down. The law specifies that if a driver can’t move over, or when on a two-lane highway, slow to a speed that is 20 mph or less than the posted speed limit. Slow down to 5 mph when the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less.
- When you see an emergency or service vehicle with flashing lights, your immediate response should be to safely move over one lane. This creates a protective buffer for roadside workers.
- Stay focused on driving and remain alert. This is particularly important on highways, where vehicles are traveling at higher speeds, and quick reactions are necessary.
- Avoid multitasking while driving. Refrain from texting and other phone-related distractions. Be prepared for sudden stops or slow traffic, especially near accident scenes or where vehicles are pulled over.
