LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A 37-year-old Auburndale man who was the driver of a disabled vehicle was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Lake County, according to Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened on Monday just before 7 p.m. on US-27 at Margaux Drive.
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According to an FHP report, an unknown vehicle, described as a white Kia Soul with an Indiana license plate, was traveling south on US-27 in the outside lane. A tow truck was stopped partially in the outside lane and on the shoulder of the road.
Troopers say the tow truck driver was assisting a pedestrian, who was standing behind his disabled vehicle and directing traffic to the next lane.
FHP says that’s when the driver of the unknown vehicle failed to move over and struck the pedestrian. The impact caused the 37-year-old to hit the driver’s side mirror of the tow truck.
The vehicle then continued southbound, turned onto Margaux Drive, and hit a decorative rock in the center median before fleeing the scene, troopers say.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Florida Highway Patrol at 407-737-2213 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. The investigation is ongoing.
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According to a Florida law, drivers are required to move over a lane — when you can safely do so — for stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility service vehicles, tow trucks or wreckers, maintenance or construction vehicles displaying warning lights, and any disabled vehicle on the side of the road.
If you can’t move over — or when on a two-lane road — slow to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.
Leaving the scene of a crash that results in property damage, injury, or death is against the law. The Florida Highway Patrol is reminding Floridians about the consequences of leaving the scene of a crash and the challenges law enforcement face when investigating a hit-and-run crash.
If involved in a crash, stay at the scene, call for help, and follow these steps:
1. Make sure you and any passengers are okay. Remain calm.
2. If possible, move to the side of the road. Remove your keys if you get out of your vehicle, move off the roadway, and stay in a safe area.
3. Check on others involved. Call 911 if anyone might be injured or a vehicle is inoperable.
4. If there are no injuries or major property damage, gather information. Get the name, driver license, insurance, and tag information from the other driver(s).
Take photos of the vehicles and information if you can’t write it down and then file a report online.
For more information on hit-and-run penalties, click here.
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