Truck crosses center line, kills two Florida women

Two Florida women are dead after being involved in a recent car crash. Officials with the Florida Highway Patrol say the truck accident occurred as the women, ages 35 and 34, were traveling east on a state road in a sedan. Following them was a sport utility vehicle, driven by a 33-year-old man who had his 2-month-old girl as his passenger.

The vehicles encountered a semi truck traveling in the opposite direction. The truck reportedly veered across the center line and into the path of the sedan. The car's driver attempted but failed to dodge the oncoming semitruck, causing the two vehicles to collide. Both women were killed in the crash.

After the initial collision, the SUV driver was forced to take evasive action to avoid the wreckage, which caused the SUV to flip. The man and the baby were able to escape the overturned vehicle with minor injuries.

The 45-year-old driver of the truck sustained catastrophic injuries. His current condition is unknown at this time.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident did significant damage to all vehicles involved. They estimated that accident caused the SUV to suffer $7,000 worth of damage, while the car and truck suffered $10,000 and $40,000 in damage, respectively.

Police say that all individuals involved in the accident were wearing safety belts at the time. FHP investigators did not comment on whether they believed alcohol played a role in the accident, but said that toxicology tests on the truck driver will be released soon.

Florida drivers should not have to fear reckless truck drivers whenever they hit the road. Truck drivers are expected to be held to a high standard of safety when they are on the road, and they should be held accountable when they fail to meet that standard.

Source: News-Sun, "Two women killed in Hardee County crash," Dec. 31, 2012