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Sumter Co., FL (March 17, 2026) – A 73-year-old man from Webster was killed in a crash on Monday, March 16, in Sumter County. The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. along State Road 48.
According to reports, the man was driving a Chevrolet Silverado eastbound while towing a Toyota RAV4 using a strap. After the strap became disconnected, he turned around and stopped to reconnect the vehicle. While he was underneath the RAV4, another driver traveling eastbound struck the rear of the vehicle.
The impact pushed the RAV4 into the Silverado, causing fatal injuries to the Webster man at the scene. The driver of the Audi involved in the crash suffered minor injuries, along with an 18-year-old passenger in the RAV4 and a 10-year-old girl riding in the Silverado.
Roadways with limited shoulders near State Road 48 can restrict access and increase risks during roadside stops. In Sumter County, responders often create safety buffers to manage traffic and protect those at the scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased victim, and wish the injured ones a full recovery.
Why Roadside Stops Can Be Dangerous on Active Highways
Stopping along a highway can expose drivers and passengers to passing traffic. Vehicles traveling at higher speeds may not expect stopped cars, especially at night or in low visibility conditions.
When people exit their vehicles to address mechanical issues, they may be positioned close to moving traffic. This can increase the chance of serious injury if another driver fails to slow down or stop in time.
Limited space on some roads can make it harder to move vehicles completely out of traffic lanes. In these situations, even a brief stop can create a hazard for both those on the roadside and approaching drivers.
