Fatal crash on I-95 caused by driver making U-turn

The Florida Highway Patrol is reporting that the driver responsible for a tragic wrong-way crash in Brevard County that resulted in the deaths of three individuals made an illegal U-turn on I-95 just moments before the collision occurred. The heartbreaking incident transpired on Sunday around 4 a.m. on the northbound lanes of I-95 near Wickham Road. According to FHP, a 34-year-old Cocoa woman was driving a Toyota Corolla in the wrong direction when she struck a Chevrolet Impala, triggering a multi-vehicle chain reaction. Sadly, the two individuals in the Impala, who were not wearing seat belts, lost their lives at the scene. In total, six others were injured in the resulting eight-car pileup. Investigation is ongoing to determine whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. FHP explains that while there are wrong-way driver detection systems in place on most Central Florida highways, they are primarily focused on entrance and exit ramps, not on the main lanes, which is why the system did not alert authorities to the driver's dangerous behavior. FHP advises drivers to travel in the center or right lane, especially during late hours, to reduce the risk of head-on collisions. The recent crash marks the eighth traffic-related fatality in Brevard County in the past week. FHP emphasizes the importance of adhering to traffic laws, staying vigilant, and refraining from impaired driving. Furthermore, they urge all road users to exercise caution near railroad crossings by following safety guidelines such as avoiding stopping on tracks, respecting warning signals, and never driving distracted. If encountering a wrong-way driver, individuals are encouraged to promptly dial 911.