LAKE PLACID, Highlands County, Fla., Oct. 1, 2026 — A 77-year-old man died Wednesday, September 30, after he was struck by a car on US-27 near Dasher Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was from Lake Placid, troopers said.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a Kia Optima was heading south on US-27, north of Dasher Road, when the pedestrian tried to cross the southbound lanes on foot, walking east. The car's front end struck him as he crossed directly in its path, according to the report.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, a 25-year-old man from Sebring, was not hurt, troopers said.
The crash remains under investigation, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. No further details have been released.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk Crossing Highways Like US-27
Older pedestrians face steeper odds in crashes involving highway speeds. Slower reaction times and longer street-crossing times leave less room to clear multiple lanes before a vehicle arrives, especially on roads built for higher speed limits.
Stretches of highway without marked crosswalks or pedestrian signals, like many rural segments of US-27, see crossing attempts made out of necessity. Drivers moving at highway speed have less time to spot and react to someone on foot, and pedestrians often misjudge how long it takes to clear a multi-lane roadway.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 68,244 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. Older adults, along with those crossing outside of marked intersections, consistently appear among the groups most often hurt or killed in these crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most pedestrian accidents happen?
Many occur outside marked crosswalks, often on roads with multiple travel lanes and higher posted speeds, where drivers have less time to react to someone crossing.
Are pedestrian accidents more common at night?
Reduced visibility plays a major role, and a large share of pedestrian deaths nationally happen after dark, particularly on roads without street lighting.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
Call 911 immediately, stay as still as possible until medical help arrives, and seek a full medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms appear later.
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 one another, especially where no signal is present.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Lake Placid, FL
If you witness a pedestrian crash, you should call 911 right away and avoid moving an injured person unless there is immediate danger. Giving dispatchers an exact location, such as a nearby mile marker or cross street, helps first responders arrive faster.
Pedestrians involved in a crash, even one that seems minor, should get checked by a medical provider promptly. Adrenaline can mask pain from internal injuries or fractures that become apparent only hours later.
Anyone with information about a crash under investigation is typically encouraged to contact the Florida Highway Patrol directly rather than share details informally.
