RSSFatality in Winter Park Crash Friday Morning
The driver of a vehicle that lost control and struck a guardrail on I-4 in the early hours of Friday morning was pronounced dead at the dead, according to Florida Law Enforcement. Ashleigh Maria Plazas, 22, of Orlando, Florida was driving westbound on I-4 just east of the Fairbanks curve, when her 1999 Toyota Camry struck a concrete barrier and a guardrail, then turned over twice before heading down an embankment and stopping to rest on its top at the bottom.
Plazas was ejected from the vehicle and found underneath of it when law enforcement arrived. There were also two other females, 21 and 22-years-old in the vehicle at the time of the accident, who sustained minor injuries. None of them were wearing their seat belts.
Friday morning’s accident occurred on a stretch of interstate that has seen many incidents over the last few years. The curve near Fairbanks, which is also located on a hill, makes it difficult for drivers to negotiate in adverse conditions due to the impaired line of sight. The cause of the accident is still under investigation at this time and authorities have not ruled out alcohol as a factor. There were unopened, damaged beer cans near the scene of the crash, but it is unclear if they came from the wrecked vehicle.
Though this accident is indeed a tragedy, it could have been far worse if other vehicles had been involved. There are many possible contributing factors for this incident, including time of day, possible driver fatigue, driver distraction, or even alcohol. It is important for all drivers to remain alert and reduce distractions while driving, particularly at night when visibility is reduced. During this time, other drivers may be suffering from fatigue, which has been shown to impair reaction time, similar to the effects of alcohol. By practicing safe driving behaviors and avoiding the temptation to get behind the wheel when tired, we can all ensure our safety and the safety of others while driving at night.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Florida car accident, contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial consultation.
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.