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St. Pete Beach, FL (March 28, 2026) – A woman suffered critical injuries after being struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Gulf Boulevard and 44th Avenue in St. Pete Beach.
Emergency units responded to the scene at approximately 9:09 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25. Responders found a 56-year-old woman lying near the southbound curb of Gulf Boulevard, with life-threatening injuries consistent with being hit by a motor vehicle. She was taken to a hospital in critical condition for treatment.
Investigators reported that a 2019 Cadillac Escalade was seen traveling south on Gulf Boulevard around the time of the crash. Debris believed to be from the vehicle was found along the roadway.
Authorities later located the SUV in a hotel parking lot in Tierra Verde. The driver was identified as 43-year-old Margaret Barah Gardner.
Officials said Gardner showed signs of impairment and did poorly on field sobriety tests. She was taken into custody and faces charges including driving under the influence, refusal to submit to testing, and leaving the scene of a crash involving serious injury.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
How Impaired Driving Can Increase the Risk of Pedestrian Crashes
Driving while impaired can affect a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time. These changes may reduce a driver’s ability to notice pedestrians or respond quickly to unexpected hazards in the roadway.
Alcohol or other substances may also make it harder for drivers to maintain proper lane control or recognize traffic signals and signs. Even small delays in reaction time can increase the risk of a crash, especially on roads where pedestrians may be present.
Pedestrian crashes often occur in areas with hotels, restaurants, or beach access points, where people walk near traffic. In these areas, drivers must stay alert to people crossing streets or walking close to travel lanes.
Reduced attention, slower responses, and poor decision-making can all increase the chances of a pedestrian being struck, particularly during evening hours when visibility is already lower.
