Available 
ASTOR, Volusia County, Fla., Nov. 1, 2026 — A 12-year-old boy died and four other people were seriously hurt in a head-on crash on Saturday afternoon, October 31, on State Road 40 west of Still Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash involved a 2024 Tesla Model Y heading west and a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado heading east, troopers said. The Tesla reportedly drifted toward the right shoulder, and its driver overcorrected to the left, sending the car into the eastbound lane. The right front of the Tesla then collided with the right front of the pickup, according to the crash report.
Five passengers were riding in the Tesla at the time. One adult and three children from that vehicle were taken to a hospital with serious injuries and were listed in stable condition. A 12-year-old boy who was also a passenger in the Tesla was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Tesla's driver, the Silverado's driver and a passenger in the pickup were not hurt and stayed at the scene.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate what caused the Tesla to leave its lane. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery.
Intersection Crashes in Florida
This fatal crash happened at State Road 40 and Still Road in Astor, FL. Our Florida intersections page covers intersection crashes across Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do fatal crashes like this tend to happen?
Fatal crashes are common on rural or semi-rural highways with higher speed limits, where head-on collisions carry more force than crashes in slower urban traffic.
What makes a crash more likely to turn fatal?
Higher speeds, a head-on or direct-impact angle, and whether occupants are wearing seat belts all affect the likelihood of serious injury or death.
How much does speed affect survival in a crash like this?
Even modest increases in speed raise the force of impact substantially, which is why highway crashes frequently produce more severe injuries than lower-speed collisions.
Why does seat belt use matter so much in these crashes?
Seat belts keep occupants from being thrown into the dashboard, windshield or each other during a sudden stop, which lowers the risk of serious or fatal injury.
