BRANDON, Florida — A tragic crash on Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 75 in Brandon resulted in the deaths of four people, including two children. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Clearwater man was driving a pickup south along the highway with a 34-year-old woman, their 12-year-old son, and the boy’s 14-year-old cousin, who was visiting from out of state.
The crash occurred when the man attempted to change lanes just north of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway interchange, causing his truck to collide with another pickup and flip over. Tragically, none of the occupants of the first pickup were wearing seat belts, and all four were ejected from the vehicle. The four individuals in the pickup did not survive the crash.
The driver of the second pickup and the two children riding with him, ages 4 and 3, were fortunately uninjured. Photos of the scene captured by a Tampa Bay Times photographer showed the devastating aftermath of the collision, with the first pickup overturned and the bodies of two of its occupants covered by sheets.
The tragedy deepened as the Florida Highway Patrol confirmed two deaths initially, before updating the number to three by 5 p.m. On Thursday morning, the 14-year-old boy, who was visiting from Texas, also succumbed to his injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol emphasized the importance of seat belt usage, highlighting statistics that show seat belts significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash. In 2022, over 91% of adult front seat passengers were observed wearing seat belts, marking a record high. However, there are still concerns about unrestrained deaths, which contribute to half of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States.
Seat belt use has made significant strides over the years, with Florida’s overall observed usage rate climbing to about 88% last year. The report also revealed disparities in usage rates based on age, gender, and vehicle type. Tragically, the crash serves as a stark reminder of the vital importance of wearing seat belts, as emphasized by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Ultimately, the devastating crash in Brandon, Florida, underscores the critical importance of seat belt usage for passengers of all ages. The tragic loss of life serves as a poignant reminder of the need for continued efforts to promote and ensure the use of seat belts to prevent further tragedies on the roads.