Two Fatal Traffic Crashes Under Investigation: Police

SARASOTA, FL — Sarasota police are investigating two fatal traffic crashes.

The first crash happened Friday around 6:45 a.m. when a four-door sedan traveling on South Tamiami Trail attempted to turn onto Bee Ridge Road. The sedan turned in front of a motorcyclist also traveling on South Tamiami Trail, police said in a news release.

The motorcyclist, a 29-year-old man from Sarasota, died from the injuries sustained in the crash. He wasn’t wearing a helmet, police said.

On Sunday around noon, a pedestrian was hit by a truck and killed while crossing U.S. 301 near 21st Street. The pedestrian, a 57-year-old man from Sarasota, wasn’t in the crosswalk at the time he was crossing, police said.

Both crashes are under investigation by the Sarasota Police Department’s Traffic Unit.

Sarasota police also have a few safety tips for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

Pedestrians should:

• Obey all traffic laws. Walk against the direction of traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles if no sidewalks are present.
• Always use the crosswalk. Push the button to get the walk signal to cross safely.
• Be visible. Wear bright, reflective clothing and safety accessories.

Drivers should:

• Avoid distractions while driving and focus on the road.
• Pass bicyclists safely, allowing at least three feet between your vehicle and a bicyclist.
• Slow down, as speed is a major cause of all fatal crashes.
• Wear your seat belt.

Bicyclists should:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Ride in the same direction of traffic on the street.
• Obey all traffic signs, signals and lane markings.
• Yield to traffic when appropriate.
• Be visible. Position yourself in the lane so others can see you easily, and always you a headlight and a taillight at night.
• Yield to traffic when appropriate. It’s better to yield than “be in the right” and risk injury.
• Be visible. Position yourself in the lane so others can easily see you. Always use a headlight and a taillight at night.