A roadside stop on I-75 in Sarasota County turned tragic Monday morning when a semi-truck slammed into a line of vehicles pulled onto the shoulder, killing a New Port Richey woman and injuring four others. The group had moved to the right shoulder to check what they thought was a trailer tire problem when the crash happened, authorities said, shutting down the northbound right lane and tying up the morning commute.
Crash Details
According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, a 34-year-old woman from New Port Richey was pronounced dead at the scene after a semi-tractor-trailer tipped onto its left side and hit the stopped vehicle in the northbound right lane of I-75. Investigators said the group had pulled over to inspect a possible issue with a trailer tire when the semi-truck hit the line of vehicles on the shoulder. A towing truck loaded with sod was among the vehicles at the scene.
The 61-year-old semi-truck driver, along with two men and a 3-year-old boy, suffered minor injuries and received treatment at the scene. The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash left debris and damaged vehicles scattered along the shoulder while crews worked to stabilize the situation, as reported by WTSP.
Move Over And Roadside Safety
The deadly wreck is a stark reminder of Florida’s Move Over law and the risks that come with any roadside stop, even one that seems routine. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles requires drivers to move over a lane for stopped emergency or service vehicles when it is safe to do so. If they cannot safely change lanes, motorists must slow down to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.
The Move Over rules apply to tow trucks, utility vehicles and other service vehicles, the kind of roadside situation troopers say was in play before Monday’s crash. State officials regularly stress that a seemingly quick shoulder stop puts people just feet from high-speed traffic. For the full breakdown of the law and which vehicles are covered, visit the FLHSMV.
Investigation
Florida Highway Patrol troopers handled the crash scene and said an investigation is underway into what led up to the impact. Authorities have not announced any charges, and no further details on potential contributing factors were immediately released. While troopers conducted their on-scene work, responders focused on clearing wreckage and reopening lanes to ease the backup on I-75.
Investigators asked anyone who witnessed the crash or has video from the area to contact the Florida Highway Patrol, as reported by WTSP. Sarasota County drivers were warned to expect lingering delays while crews finished clearing the scene and restoring normal traffic flow.
Officials have not released the names of those involved, sharing only ages and hometown information so far. This story will be updated as the Florida Highway Patrol provides additional details. In the meantime, motorists using I-75 are urged to slow down, give roadside crews extra space and follow Florida’s Move Over rules whenever they pass vehicles stopped on the shoulder.
