Crime & Safety
Florida Highway Patrol: Driver Error, Rain Caused Sarasota Mega Crash
Florida Highway Patrol released its findings for the Oct. 5 mega crash on Interstate 75 at the Manatee-Sarasota County line that involved 53 vehicles.
Florida Highway Patrol investigators officially ruled Thursday that driver error and a sudden rain storm contributed to a 53-car crash Oct. 5 on Interstate 75.
FHP issued 19 traffic citations for the mega crash that had 53 vehicles involved in 21 crashes where amazingly nobody was killed. Fifty two people were injured in the crash, 22 were sent to area hospitals and two were flown by helicopter from the scene for their injuries, according to Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred near the University Parkway exit, prompting the closure of I-75 for six hours.
Find out what's happening in Sarasotafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Highway Patrol said driver error was chiefly to blame for the crash and that the inclement weather contributed to the crash.
While fortunately nobody was killed, Florida has the second most weather-related traffic fatalities in the U.S. with 1,403 between 2000 and 2007, according to Highway Patrol.
Find out what's happening in Sarasotafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Drivers are reminded that they should slow down and adjust for speed during adverse weather conditions weather rely on the posted speed limit.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.