PACE, Santa Rosa County, Fla., Oct. 26, 2026 — A pedestrian died early on Sunday morning, October 25, after being hit by an SUV on CR-197 (Chumuckla Highway) in Santa Rosa County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 12:15 a.m. on CR-197 just south of CR-191 (Willard Norris Road). A 46-year-old woman from Jay was driving an SUV north on CR-197 when she struck a man who was also walking north in the northbound lane, according to the report. The front right side of the SUV hit the pedestrian.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not been released.
Troopers said the driver was not hurt. The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash remains under investigation, and no further details have been made public.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
More on Crashes in Pace, FL
This pedestrian crash happened on Chumuckla Highway in Pace, FL. We cover crashes across Santa Rosa County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Santa Rosa County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in a marked crosswalk, but drivers and pedestrians both carry a duty to watch for each other, especially where there's no crosswalk or sidewalk, as appears to be the case here.
How can drivers reduce the chance of hitting someone walking?
Slowing down in areas without sidewalks, staying alert for people walking along the road's edge at night, and keeping headlights and windshields clean all help drivers spot pedestrians sooner, particularly in low-light, rural conditions like those on a highway at midnight.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian crashes?
People hit by vehicles often suffer broken bones, head and spinal injuries, and internal injuries, since there's little protecting a person on foot from the impact of a car or SUV.
What usually causes pedestrian accidents?
Common factors include poor visibility at night, a driver or pedestrian failing to see each other in time, speeding, and walking or driving along roads without sidewalks or lighting.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Pace, FL
Anyone who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 right away and avoid moving an injured person unless there's immediate danger. If you're a pedestrian involved in a crash and you're able, get checked by a medical provider even if you feel fine at first, since some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Try to note details like the time, location, and direction of travel while they're fresh, and get the responding agency's report number for your records. If you live or walk in the Pace area, consider reaching out to Santa Rosa County about lighting or sidewalk conditions along stretches of road where foot traffic and vehicle traffic share the same lanes.
