OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) – A truck driver is in Marion County Jail after causing another accident on I-75.
Calvin Huddleston, 29, of Georgia, was driving south when he crashed his pickup truck into a railing near mile marker 340 just before 6 p.m. Tuesday.
According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, Huddleston was charged with drunken driving, suspended license and hit and run.
Several accidents along the highway caused traffic jams in north central Florida this week. On Tuesday morning, another driver drove his semi-trailer into the guardrail near State Road 200 in Ocala.
In Columbia County, a semi-trailer truck overturned near mile marker 410 on Wednesday.
RELATED: Accident on I-75 in Columbia County causes vehicle to roll over and block lanes
Ken Foxx, a driver traveling from northwest Arkansas to Ocala, told TV20 he saw several accidents on I-75 during his trip.
“It was grueling,” Foxx said. “There were too many people everywhere, so there were too many cars, but if there’s an alternate route, I’d probably try to find it.”
Florida Highway Patrol officers urge drivers to watch their speed, watch for obstructions such as dropped objects or tires, and watch for vehicles stopped on the shoulder.
Lieutenant Jason French adds: “No matter how long you are stuck in traffic, do not leave your vehicle.”
“Sometimes highways are closed for long periods of time. People get out to see what’s going on. Suddenly the highway is clear again and there are three or four cars still away from your car. You have to walk back. You put yourself at enormous risk of being hit,” French said.
In conclusion, French says the most important thing drivers can do is buckle up and keep their eyes on the road.
“We see people talking on the phone, texting, watching videos or putting on makeup while driving,” he said. “These things contribute massively to accidents and they should really be aware and stop these activities.”
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
All rights reserved.
