Lake City, FL (June 7, 2026) – A rear-end strike involving a Florida Highway Patrol SUV stopped at a red light left three people hurt on Friday, June 5, near US 90 and Southeast Baya Drive in Columbia County.
The Florida Highway Patrol SUV was stationary in the left eastbound lane when a maroon Nissan sedan approached from behind and struck its rear around 11:23 a.m. The SUV was unmarked, and it was positioned at the signal when the impact occurred.
The Nissan was driven by an 84-year-old man with an 89-year-old woman in the front seat. Both were seriously hurt and flown by helicopter to UF Health in Gainesville. A 47-year-old Lake City trooper inside the SUV had minor injuries and was treated at a hospital in Lake City.
Troopers have not released information on what led to the rear-end strike.
We are thinking of those injured and hope they recover as they receive medical care.
What Happens After a Rear-End Highway Collision at a Traffic Signal?
When a vehicle is stopped at a traffic signal, the following driver may still approach at varying speeds, which can lead to sudden rear-end contact if attention is not maintained or braking is delayed. As a result, these types of crashes are among the most common collision patterns nationwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted that rear-end collisions account for a significant portion of all reported crashes in the United States each year, particularly in urban and suburban areas with frequent stop-and-go traffic.
In places like Lake City and across Florida, traffic safety data shows that rear-end crashes regularly occur at intersections and signalized roadways. Additionally, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports thousands of rear-end collisions annually, many involving delayed reaction times or driver inattention.
Medical personnel assess those involved for both visible and internal injuries, especially when older adults are present, since harm may be more serious even at lower speeds. In more critical situations, air transport may be requested to allow faster access to trauma care.
Investigations consider roadway design, visibility, and driver behavior leading up to the rear-end contact. Furthermore, officials review signal timing, lane positioning, and any available camera footage or witness statements to better understand how the sequence unfolded, while vehicle damage patterns may help clarify the timing and force of impact.
