Man Killed in Head-on Crash in Manatee County
A car accident is never a good time, and some are more serious than others. While a fender bender at low speeds may leave you uninjured and your car with barely a scratch, head-on crashes are almost always severe. Many result in fatalities.
Sadly, this recently happened in Manatee County. A man was killed in a head-on crash after driving into the path of a semi-truck. The fatal accident occurred on the morning of January 25 on State Road 70.
The 77-year-old man was driving a sedan on State Road 70. He was heading east and approaching the Interstate 75 southbound exit ramp. At the same time, a semi-truck was also on State Road 70 and approaching the same Interstate 75 southbound exit ramp. The man drove into the path of the semi-truck, causing a head-on crash.
The man died at the accident scene. He had a passenger in the car and they suffered critical injuries. The crash is still under investigation.
Elderly Drivers and Head-on Crashes
It’s important to understand that drivers over the age of 70 have a higher fatal crash rate per mile traveled than middle-aged drivers.
Elderly drivers are at a higher risk of head-on crashes due to several factors such as the following:
- Lane departure: Difficulty staying in the correct lane due to reduced peripheral vision or impaired spatial awareness.
- Wrong-way driving: Confusion at intersections or freeway ramps can lead to driving against traffic.
- Slower reaction time: Delayed responses to hazards, making it harder to avoid sudden lane intrusions.
- Medication side effects: Some prescriptions can cause drowsiness or dizziness, impairing judgment.
- Declining vision: Cataracts, glaucoma, and other vision impairments can reduce the ability to see road signs and oncoming vehicles.
Head-on collisions are often severe, and older adults are more likely to suffer serious injuries or fatalities due to increased frailty. Many accidents occur on rural two-lane roads, where elderly drivers may drift into opposing traffic.
Nobody wants to be involved in a head-on accident. Here are some ways to prevent them:
- Regular vision and cognitive testing: Routine check-ups to ensure safe driving ability.
- Improved road signage: Larger, clearer signs can help older drivers navigate roads more easily.
- Vehicle safety features: Newer cars with lane departure warnings, automatic braking, and blind-spot monitoring can reduce crash risks.
- Driver refresher courses: Some companies offer special courses and programs to help seniors improve awareness and driving techniques.
- Family and physician involvement: Loved ones and doctors can assess when it’s time to limit driving or stop driving altogether.
Contact Us Today
Head-on crashes are the worst type of car accident to be involved in. Due to the impact involved, they can cause catastrophic and even fatal injuries.
In a crash? There’s a lot you’ll need to handle, but you don’t have to do it on your own. Seek legal help from a Bradenton car accident lawyer from Cahall Law Firm. We can help you protect your legal right and get you full and fair compensation. To schedule a consultation, call (941) 281-2019 or fill out the online form.
Source:
mysuncoast.com/2025/01/25/77-year-old-man-killed-manatee-county-crash/
