Polk City, FL (June 9, 2026) – A 47-year-old Apopka man died on Tuesday morning, June 9, after a fatal traffic accident along westbound Interstate 4 near mile-marker 44 in Polk City.
The collision happened shortly before 6:30 a.m. According to investigators, the man was standing outside a Chevrolet Silverado that was towing a trailer and parked on the outside paved shoulder of the westbound interstate.
Troopers reported that a 50-year-old Orlando man was driving a Toyota Camry westbound when he lost control of the car. The vehicle traveled onto the shoulder and struck the pedestrian. The Apopka resident was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Westbound lanes of I-4 were closed for several hours following the crash, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. The roadway has since reopened.
The reason the Camry driver lost control remains unknown. Investigators also have not determined why the Silverado and trailer were parked along the shoulder; however, no charges or citations had been announced as of Tuesday. Still, officials are working to determine all factors that led to the fatal collision.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the man’s family and those grieving this loss.
Why Shoulder Areas Along Highways Can Present Serious Risks
Highway shoulders are designed to provide a space for disabled vehicles, emergency stops, and maintenance activities. While they offer a place away from moving traffic, they can still be dangerous because nearby vehicles travel at high speeds.
People standing outside parked vehicles on interstate shoulders face additional risks, particularly when visibility is reduced in the early morning hours or when drivers lose control. Even a brief movement outside a travel lane can place a vehicle or person close to fast-moving traffic.
Safety experts generally recommend remaining as far from active lanes as possible when a vehicle must stop on a highway shoulder. Hazard lights, reflective devices, and awareness of surrounding traffic can help improve visibility. Despite these precautions, shoulder-related crashes remain among the more severe roadway incidents due to the speed of passing vehicles and the limited margin for error.
