Man killed, boy injured in Zephyrhills head-on collision

ZEPHYRHILLS -- State troopers are investigating a head-on crash between a semitrailer truck and a car that occurred at 7:40 a.m. at Old Lakeland Highway and Lynbrook Drive. The accident killed the 62-year-old driver of the car and critically injured his passenger, a young boy.

[KERI WIGINTON | Times]

Authorities said the driver of the semi, 49-year-old Donald A. Stevenson of Durant, was traveling south on Old Lakeland Highway, approaching the intersection of Lynbrook Drive as the driver of a four-door Dodge sedan was driving north on Old Lakeland. Stevenson attempted to slow down for a slower moving vehicle in front of him and lost control, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.

After braking abruptly, Stevenson's truck began to jackknife into the northbound lane, in front of the path of the Dodge, authorities said. The right front and front of the truck struck the left side and left front of the Dodge, and both skidded into a ditch at the northeast corner of the intersection.

Crews from Zephyrhills Fire Rescue and FHP responded to the scene, as did a medical helicopter. The 62-year-old driver of the Dodge, whom authorities are not identifying until his next of kin have been notified, died at the scene. His unidentified passenger, a boy between ages 8-10, was flown to St. Joseph's Hospital with critical injuries.

Stevenson suffered minor injuries, according to the FHP report.

Drew Harwell and Emily Nipps, Times staff writers

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Comments

[wayne]

If he wasn't speeding, he wouldn't have needed to brake abruptly.

[Stubby]

Just another trucker driving a very large weapon that cant stop on a dime. Use to be drivers were professional. Now they could care less. Deserves to sit in prison for a long time and pay fopr the life he took so carelessly

[mrknowitall]

propably another of roadmasters professionals...3-4 weeks and turn em loose. long as have big belt buckle and chain drive wallet they are good to go.
10-4 good buddie

[mrknowitall]

probably* caught it as it was being posted...lol

[Bob H]

Wayne and Stubby, were you guys at the scene? Didn't think so. Maybe you should wait until FHP investigates before you place blame.

[trixie]

I agree with you Bob H, always quick to judge the trucker, obviously they have NO CLUE to what truck drivers have to put up with on a daily basis to bring EVERYTHING they take for granted on a daily basis, everything they eat and wipe their a** with is delivered by a trucker. The old movie "Convoy" has truly stereotyped truck drivers and the ignorant people who believe it is how truckers live their life. This was an accident, how do you know he was speeding???? Most people in smaller vehicles are careless & rude to truck drivers, and break the law by following too close & cutting them off! My prayers go out to the family who suffered this loss AND the trucker who im sure did not intend for this to happen.......

[Al]

As a driver trainer for a nationwide carrier, I find that most drivers strive for safety and professionalism. Unfortunately there are those who should'nt be behind the wheel of a car let alone a truck and those are the ones that seem to make the news. A hard braking situation usually means one thing, following too close. The industry constantly preaches speed control and space management. And mrknowitall, you hit the nail on the head. The current system for obtaining a class "A" CDL is a joke. I get the new drivers that have come through a program such as that. They have only learned enough to be dangerous. But beyond that it comes down to one thing, sound judgement. Operating a 80,000 pound vehicle is a huge responsibility. Sadly these vehicles are often times put in the hands of someone completely irresponsible.

[stevetamayo]

I GOT MY DEGREE ROADMASTERS DRIVING SCHOOL. I HEARD ABOUT IT WHILE WATCHING A RERUN OF THE MUNSTERS ON WTOG. THANK YOU ROADMASTERS.

[snark]

those truckers need to knock off the friggin speed. who the hell do they think they are. they drive too damn fast on these two lane roads and need to stay in the right lane when on a 4 lane hi way. i work in town and every damn am on my way to work these dump trucks and other big rigs barrel down the hi way and try to out run the other rigs passing them and causing hazards that are uncalled for. they need to make a law against these truckers.

[snark]

hey trixie don't give me that crap about people cutting them off. thats a buncha crap, drivers are down right scared of those trucks, they think because their behind the wheel of a big rig they have the right away and everybody get outta their way. it don't work like that missy.

[A]

No matter what the road, truck drivers in the left hand lane should be ticketed everytime, unless they can prove they are making a left hand turn within 500'. Tailgating?..next time on 75, look in your rear view mirror. It's is outrageous how closely truckers tailgate these days. Watch how the make ellegal lane changes. Try passing a truck in the rain, their "mud flaps" are a joke. Water spray off truck tires makes it dangerous for all drivers of cars that are driving in nearby lanes. This fatality is unquestionably the result of tailgating on the part of that truck driver.

[windowsugar]

I am very sorry for the loss of your beloved family member and friend.
I hope that one of you checks to see if your loved one was receiving threats of any kind.
I have been run off the interstate purposely and also threatened with semi-trucks rolling over on my car. Numerous times. I have documented and sometimes reported and always videotaped this illegal and dangerous activity by numerous truckers, including the local Tampa firemen ...
This is purposeful behavior on their part due to our reluctance to sell our property for a song.
When I see suspicious deaths such as this one and Deputy Bierwiler and many recent deaths such as this I like to inform because I know we are not the only targets of this insane, mob behavior.
Take care of yourselves.
It doesn't matter how safely YOU drive if a semi-truck driver or a dumptruck driver is determined to kill you for no reason and/or for the sheriff.

[windowsugar]

My beloved uncle owned his own truck for YEARS. Never one wreck. NEVER drove irresponsibly. Finally they had someone plow into him while he was driving his car.
So, yes, more than likely it was the trucker's at fault. Maybe a distraction and not purposeful, in this case. In other cases, PURPOSEFUL.
When you are driving a house down the interstate you should not be doing ANYTHING else. This child will be traumatized for life.
At least you can tell this was a real wreck. Around my house they drop them off from the junkyard already rusted so that they can send their sick 'messages'.
Like everyone is as stupid as them.
Again, I'm sorry for your loss. Don't take anyone's word for what happened. ESPECIALLY the cops and firemen. They have a vested interest in misleading hte public.
So many religious figures switching to LEO and vice versa. That in itself is extremely troubling.
Again, I'm sorry for your loss. Take care.

[tess]

This was my uncle that died in this wreck i just want to say to my cousins i'm sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and give aunt janice a call and we will be there

[GetaEffinLife]

omg my thoughts and prayers go out to this family, no need for negative comments at a time of loss like this! wishin and hoping the best for the little guy involved also

[windowsugar]

hey geaeffinlife, I'm pretty sure it's you who is negative. Had to go and make a nasty id JUST to comment on this.
This family SHOULD NOT be lied to. The police and firefighters have a VESTED INTEREST in misleading citizens and property holders so that their sinister agendas can be carried out. The more families who are aware of the murders being committed and this was likely a murder .. the better.
Let's see SEMI vs CAR WITH ELDERLY MAN AND BOY.
A guy does a few years in prison comes out as a MADE MAN: SET FOR LIFE ... so dry up.
You tell YOUR truth. I'll tell MINE.
Again, I'm sorry for your loss, family.
Be careful who you trust. It won't take long for the grief to abate enough for you to see where the truth lies.

[Momibia]

What a tragedy. Regardless of the details, the families of all the parties involved are suffering right now. How horrible to lose one family member in an accident and have another seriously injured - and how horrible to know that you (or one of your family members) was driving the vehicle that caused such a loss.