BRADENTON, Manatee County, Fla., Oct. 11, 2026 — A 64-year-old Bradenton man has died after a pickup truck struck him while he was crossing U.S. 41 on Friday night, October 9, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash happened at the intersection with 60th Avenue West.
Troopers said a 49-year-old Palmetto man was driving a 2014 Ford F-150 north in the inside lane of U.S. 41, also known as 14th Street West, around 9:29 p.m. when he approached the intersection on a green light. The pedestrian was reportedly crossing the northbound lanes on the south side of the intersection when the front of the pickup hit him.
The Bradenton man was taken to a hospital with critical injuries and later died, authorities said. The driver was not hurt. The Florida Highway Patrol has not released either man's name. The crash remains under investigation, and no charges have been announced.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
When Pedestrian Crashes Are Most Likely to Happen
Darkness changes the picture for drivers and people on foot alike. Headlights illuminate a narrow strip of roadway, and a pedestrian in dark clothing can be nearly invisible until a vehicle is close. Crashes involving people on foot cluster heavily in the evening and nighttime hours, when visibility drops but traffic volume usually remains high.
Weekend nights add another layer of risk. Drivers coming home from dinner, errands, or social events share the road with pedestrians who may be walking to or from similar destinations, sometimes across multi-lane highways like U.S. 41 that were built for speed rather than foot traffic. Fatigue and reduced alertness late in the evening can slow a driver's reaction time at the exact moment a pedestrian steps into a lane.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. Many of those deaths occurred after dark, on roads with multiple lanes and few marked crossings, the kind of setting where a driver's green light and a pedestrian's crossing attempt can intersect with little warning for either side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pedestrian crashes more common at night?
Yes. Reduced visibility, higher vehicle speeds, and driver fatigue combine to make nighttime hours, especially evenings and weekends, higher-risk for people crossing or walking along roadways.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
Call 911 immediately if possible, avoid moving unless necessary, and wait for medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor. Shock can mask pain from internal injuries.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but drivers and pedestrians both carry a duty to watch for each other, especially where traffic signals control the intersection.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Bradenton, FL
Anyone involved in or witnessing a pedestrian crash in Bradenton should call 911 right away and avoid moving an injured person unless there is immediate danger. Getting checked by medical personnel at the scene matters even for people who feel able to walk, since some injuries take hours to show symptoms.
It helps to note details while they're fresh: the time, weather, lighting, and traffic signal conditions, along with contact information for any witnesses. Requesting a copy of the official crash report from the Florida Highway Patrol once it's filed can also be useful for insurance or medical follow-up purposes.
