Groveland, FL (September 10, 2026) – One person died on Wednesday morning, September 9, in a wrong-way crash on State Road 33 in Groveland, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A tractor-trailer overturned in the collision, troopers said.
Troopers said the crash happened around 6 a.m. north of Edgewood Boys Ranch Road. A 22-year-old Groveland man was reportedly driving south in the northbound lanes of SR-33 when his car entered the path of a northbound tractor-trailer, according to authorities.
The truck driver, a 47-year-old man from Riverview, swerved but could not avoid a head-on collision, troopers said. The tractor-trailer rolled over. The truck driver was taken to South Lake Hospital with minor injuries.
The 22-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. His name has not been released pending notification procedures.
The crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not said what led the car to enter the wrong lanes.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
Who Faces the Greatest Danger in a Wrong-Way Collision
Wrong-way crashes put head-on impact forces on both drivers, but the driver going against traffic and any oncoming vehicle occupants carry the heaviest risk of dying. Passenger cars that meet a loaded commercial truck head-on are especially exposed, since the size and weight gap between the two vehicles means the smaller vehicle absorbs most of the crash energy.
Truck drivers are not immune. A big rig can roll over during an evasive maneuver, throwing the driver against the cab or seatbelt restraints even when the truck itself isn't struck directly. Rollover injuries to truck occupants tend to be less severe than those suffered by people in the smaller vehicle, but they still send drivers to the hospital.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 365 large-truck occupants were killed in multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks in 2023. Wrong-way entries onto divided highways, often in early morning or late-night hours, are a recurring factor in these crashes, alongside impairment, medical episodes, and confusion at interchanges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I encounter a wrong-way driver?
Move to the right lane or shoulder if it's safe, slow down, and avoid swerving into oncoming traffic. Call 911 with your location and direction of travel as soon as you can safely do so.
What are common injuries in head-on crashes involving a truck?
Occupants of smaller vehicles often suffer chest, head, and leg injuries from the force of impact. Truck drivers may be injured in a rollover even without direct vehicle-to-vehicle contact.
How are wrong-way crashes investigated?
Troopers typically reconstruct the crash using skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness accounts, and they check for signs of impairment or medical emergency in the wrong-way driver.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Groveland, FL
If you're involved in or witness a wrong-way crash near Groveland, call 911 immediately and give your exact location and direction of travel. Stay in your vehicle if it's unsafe to exit, and turn on hazard lights if you can do so without stepping into traffic.
Anyone involved should seek a medical evaluation even if they feel fine, since injuries from a head-on impact aren't always immediately obvious. Request a copy of the official crash report from the Florida Highway Patrol once it's available, and keep records of any medical care you receive in the days that follow.
