AUBURNDALE, Polk County, Fla., Sept. 26, 2026 — Two people were hospitalized after a crash on Saturday afternoon, September 26, at Old Dixie Hwy and Herndon Dr in Auburndale. One of the drivers reportedly ran from the scene on foot afterward, according to authorities.
The crash was reported around 4:34 p.m. at the intersection. Two people were taken for medical treatment, though the extent of their injuries has not been released.
Investigators said the driver who fled is described as a white man believed to be about 25 years old, with long hair, last seen wearing a white tank top and jeans. A K9 team and a helicopter joined the search for him in the area surrounding the intersection.
The search was ongoing as of Saturday, and detectives asked residents nearby to use caution and give emergency crews room to work. No arrests had been announced.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
What Actually Reduces Hit-and-Run Crashes and Their Injuries
Fewer drivers flee the scene when they believe they will be found. Widespread doorbell and traffic cameras, license plate readers at intersections, and quick K9 and air support like what's described here have made it harder to disappear after a crash, and that visibility itself discourages some drivers from running in the first place.
Road design plays a part in the underlying crash as well. Better lighting at intersections, clearer signal timing, and left-turn phasing that separates conflicting movements all cut down on the kind of confusion that leads to a collision at a crossroads.
Once a crash happens, what protects people inside the vehicles usually comes down to basics. Seat belts and airbags reduce the odds of severe injury substantially, and newer vehicles with automatic emergency braking or side-curtain airbags tend to produce softer outcomes even in comparable impacts. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, one in four pedestrian injuries occurred in hit-and-run crashes in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do if they're involved in a hit-and-run?
Stay at the scene if it's safe, call 911, and try to note details about the other vehicle or driver, such as a plate number, direction of travel, or description. Investigators rely heavily on those early details.
What injuries are common in intersection crashes like this one?
Side-impact and turning collisions usually cause whiplash, broken bones, and head or chest injuries, depending on speed and where the impact lands on the vehicle.
What typically causes crashes at intersections?
Common factors include failure to yield, misjudged turns, distracted driving, and running signals or stop signs. Speed at the moment of impact tends to determine how severe the outcome is; even modest speed increases raise the force involved and the likelihood of serious injury.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Auburndale, FL
If you're involved in or witness a hit-and-run, call 911 right away and stay somewhere safe while help arrives. Get checked by a medical provider even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take hours to appear. Write down what you remember about the other vehicle while it's fresh, and file a report with local police so there's an official record tied to the case.
