Washington County, FL (June 6, 2026) – A Dothan man died, and another man was critically injured after a single-vehicle crash on June 5, at State Road 79 in Washington County.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that two men were traveling north in a truck-trailer when the vehicle veered off the roadway. Investigators said the truck continued northeast after leaving the road.
The vehicle then struck a culvert, entered the right-of-way, and collided with a tree. Following the collision, the tree was uprooted and fell onto the truck tractor.
The passenger was pronounced dead as a result of the crash. The driver, a 27-year-old man, sustained critical injuries and was taken for medical treatment. The identity of the deceased man has not yet been released.
Investigators are continuing to work to determine what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life.
What Factors Are Commonly Examined in Run-Off-Road Crashes?
Run-off-road crashes occur when a vehicle leaves its travel lane and departs the roadway before striking an object or overturning. These collisions often involve fixed objects such as trees, utility poles, guardrails, culverts, or embankments.
Investigators typically review roadway conditions, vehicle condition, driver actions, and environmental factors to understand why the vehicle left the road. Tire marks, vehicle damage, and the vehicle’s final resting position can provide valuable information about the sequence of events.
Collisions involving trees are often associated with severe outcomes because the impact force is concentrated in a relatively small area. When large objects fall onto a vehicle after a collision, the risk of serious injury can increase further. Findings from these investigations help safety experts better understand how similar crashes occur and how their severity may be reduced.
