Available 
Alachua County, FL (May 20, 2026) – A 50-year-old St. Augustine man died Wednesday morning, May 20, after being struck by a sedan while attempting to cross State Rd 24 in Alachua County. The fatal collision happened around 6 a.m. near Waldo Rd and Northeast 57th St, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers said a 34-year-old Gainesville woman was driving northeast in the left lane when the man entered the roadway directly in front of her vehicle. Investigators stated that the pedestrian failed to yield the right-of-way before being struck by the front of the sedan.
The roadway was not lighted at the time, and troopers noted the man was not wearing reflective or high-visibility clothing, which reduced visibility for approaching drivers. The Gainesville woman was wearing a seat belt and was not hurt during the crash.
Further details surrounding the deadly wreck are still being reviewed by investigators. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the man’s loved ones following this tragic loss.
How Low Visibility Can Affect Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian crashes are more likely to occur during early morning or nighttime hours when visibility is reduced. Roads without overhead lighting can make it difficult for drivers to see people crossing, especially when they are wearing dark clothing or carrying non-reflective items. Even attentive drivers may have limited reaction time when a person suddenly enters a travel lane.
High-visibility clothing, reflective materials, and marked crossing points can help improve pedestrian safety in low-light conditions. Traffic speed, weather, and roadway design may also influence how quickly a driver can respond to someone on foot. In many pedestrian crashes, investigators later review sight distance and lighting conditions to better understand how visibility may have affected the driver’s ability to avoid contact. Public safety groups often encourage both drivers and pedestrians to remain especially cautious before sunrise and after sunset.
