Englewood Attorney Shines Light On Dangerous Intersections Along McCall Road
Corbin Sutter
Accident Lawyers
As car accident lawyers for over 30 years we have been witnesses to the impacts that serious and fatal crashes have on the lives of people in our community. Often these crashes occur in the same intersections, showing a need for improved safety measures at these locations. One the trouble spots in Englewood is the intersection of intersection of McCall Road (State Road 776) and Sunnybrook Boulevard. Being on McCall road means this intersection serves as access for both local and through traffic to residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and essential services. As a central location handling a diverse mix of vehicle types on a daily basis, including personal vehicles, commercial trucks, and emergency response vehicles, this intersection requires careful management to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow.Sunnybrook Boulevard being a residential area brings residential traffic from the nearby homes and directly intersects with busy McCall Road with heavy commercial traffic businesses. Despite the intersection being fully signaled with traffic control devices such as signals and signage, its history of auto accidents, particularly those involving commercial vehicles, indicates the need for more measures to further reduce risks.
The tragic crash that occurred at this location involved a collision between a dump truck and a pickup truck resulted in loss of life, underscores longstanding safety concerns at this location. While the specific causes are still under investigation, several factors commonly tied to intersection accidents were likely involved. These include failure to obey traffic signals, driver distraction, excessive speed, limitations of commercial vehicle handling, poor road/signage design, mechanical issues, or possible impairment.
Given the nature of the intersection, and that fact that a large stretch of McCall Road has dozens of similar intersection with residential traffic opens directly onto high-speed commercial traffic, more needs to be done. FOr example many other states have a system of warning lights ahead of intersections that begin to blink alerting drivers that the light is about to change. This is important on roads such as McCall Road where drivers routinely speed going anywhere from 50 to 70 MPH, as they are still in the outskirts of Englewood. The aim would be to identify targeted countermeasures, such as updated signalization, improved visibility, additional signage/warnings, or possible road redesign, to minimize future incidents at this intersection serving both local needs and through traffic in the region. Proactive safety upgrades could help prevent further loss of life in our community and help more traffic deaths for locals and tourists alike intersections like this into the future.
Pickup Truck Collides with Dump Truck at State Road 776 and Sunnybrook Boulevard Monday Afternoon
Charlotte County - Florida Highway Patrol has reported a serious collision has claimed the life of a local man and left another with minor injuries. The accident, which occurred at the intersection of State Road 776 (McCall Road) and Sunnybrook Boulevard on March 11, 2024, at approximately 2:50 PM, involved a dump truck and a pickup truck. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has provided a detailed account of the circumstances leading to the accident.
According to the FHP report, the dump truck, operated by a 66-year-old man from Venice, Florida, was traveling westbound on State Road 776. Approaching the intersection with Sunnybrook Boulevard, the driver failed to observe a red traffic signal, leading to a catastrophic turn of events. Concurrently, the pickup truck, driven by a 59-year-old man from Rotunda West, Florida, was making its way south on Sunnybrook Boulevard, approaching the same intersection.
The front of the dump truck collided with the side of the pickup truck within the intersection of State Road 776 and Sunnybrook Boulevard resulting in significant damage and tragic outcomes. The driver of the pickup truck was pronounced deceased at the scene of the accident. The dump truck driver sustained minor injuries in the collision.This accident has sparked a comprehensive investigation by the FHP to determine the precise causes and potential charges.
The Port Charlotte area, particularly those frequenting the intersection of State Road 776 and Sunnybrook Boulevard, is urged to be mindful of traffic signals and to approach intersections with heightened caution. The local law enforcement and FHP continue to work diligently to ensure the safety of all road users and to prevent these types of accidents from occurring in the future.