Truck Driver Ticketed in Molino Crash, FHP Explains Improper Turns and PassingTruck Driver Ticketed in Molino Crash, FHP Explains Improper Turns and Passing On Monday, a truck driver was ticketed following a crash in Molino involving a pickup truck attempting to pass the truck on Highway 97. Incident Summary: At approximately 11:40 a.m., a northbound truck attempted to turn left onto Gibson Road. As the truck made its turn, a pickup truck, also traveling northbound, initiated a passing maneuver in a legal passing zone. The truck then turned in front of the pickup, causing a collision between the vehicles. Ticketing: According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the truck driver was ticketed for making an incorrect left turn. FHP Explanation of Florida Law: FHP Lieutenant Jason King explained that Florida law requires drivers to ensure clear passage before executing a turn or lane change, even if a turn signal is activated. Turn signals indicate a request for action, not a demand. If a vehicle is already legally occupying a lane, drivers attempting to turn must yield the right of way. Initiating a turn while a vehicle is passing can violate the other vehicle’s right of way. Outcome: The 62-year-old truck driver from Alabama was not injured in the crash. The 76-year-old male driver and 66-year-old passenger of the pickup were transported to West Florida Hospital with undisclosed injuries. Photos of the Incident: Two photos from NorthEscambia.com show the aftermath of the crash, including images of the damaged semi-truck and pickup truck.
A truck driver taking an exit from Highway 97 was ticketed after a pickup truck trying to pass him hit the truck in Molino on Monday.
Many NorthEscambia.com readers wondered how the truck driver could be at fault, so we reached out to the Florida Highway Patrol for more information on how the law works.
But first, a summary of what FHP says happened Monday:
The crash happened about 11:40 a.m. on Highway 97 at Gibson Road. The Florida Highway Patrol said the northbound truck attempted to turn left onto Gibson Road. The pickup driver, also northbound, “initiated a passing maneuver in a legal passing zone,” FHP said.
The semi turned in front of the pickup, causing the front of the pickup to collide with the left side of the semi’s cab. The pickup truck left the road and crashed into a wooded area near the intersection, while the semi came to rest in the opposite ditch after hitting a utility pole.
The 76-year-old male driver and 66-year-old passenger of the pickup were taken to West Florida Hospital by Escambia County EMS. The truck driver, a 62-year-old from Alabama, was not injured.
According to FHP, the driver of the truck was ticketed for making an incorrect left turn.
FHP explains Florida law:
“A turn signal is a request, not a requirement, and you must ensure there is clear passage to the left, right, front and rear before making a turn or changing lanes,” said Lt. Jason King.
“The bottom line is that a flashing light is a request to take action and change direction. Not a demand, and if someone is determined to pass, they are legally occupying the lane first,” he said. “If you start a turn, you are violating their right of way.”
According to King, FHP often issues a ticket for a wrong turn in these types of situations.
Photos from NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Written by William Reynolds Filed under FRONT TOP
