Man Killed After Crashing Into Concrete Column

Driving can be difficult at night, especially when there are curves in the road. If you’re too slow or make one wrong move, you could end up in a serious or even fatal accident.

Sadly, this was recently the case in Osceola County. A man was killed when his vehicle left the road and crashed into a concrete column. The fatal accident occurred on the evening of August 3.

A 52-year-old Lake Wales man was driving an Audi A3, coming from U.S. 192. He was traveling northbound on the World Drive ramp when he failed to negotiate a curve. The Audi left the road and hit a concrete support column for the overpass. The driver died at the accident scene.

This was a solo-vehicle crash. No other vehicles or people were involved.

Failure to Negotiate a Curve

Failure to negotiate a curve is one of the leading causes of roadway accidents, especially on rural highways and winding roads. This occurs when a driver approaches a curve without properly adjusting speed, steering, or lane position, causing the vehicle to leave its intended path. Unlike straight roadways, curves require drivers to anticipate reduced visibility, shifting centrifugal force, and changes in traction, which makes them inherently riskier if not handled correctly.

Several factors contribute to these accidents. Excessive speed is the most common, as entering a curve too quickly makes it difficult to maintain control. This often happens on highways, when drivers try to merge onto the roadway at high speeds.

Distracted or impaired driving, whether from texting, alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, also reduces reaction time, increasing the chance of drifting off the roadway. Environmental conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, or poorly maintained roads, can further compromise traction and stability. In some cases, sharp or poorly banked curves without adequate signage create hazards even for attentive drivers.

The consequences of failing to navigate a curve can be severe. Vehicles may cross into oncoming traffic, collide head-on, roll over, or strike fixed objects like trees, utility poles,  guardrails, or in this case, concrete columns. These crashes often result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the high forces involved when a vehicle leaves the roadway.

Negotiating a curve can be especially tricky on unfamiliar roads and at night, when visibility is reduced. To reduce risks, drivers should slow down before entering a curve, avoid sudden braking while turning, and keep a steady grip on the steering wheel. Staying alert, scanning ahead for warning signs, and adjusting for weather or road conditions are also critical. For road safety agencies, installing reflective markers, guardrails, and clear signage can help warn drivers in advance, which can reduce curve-related crashes.

Contact Us Today

Driving takes significant skill and can be more difficult at night, when visibility is reduced. Not fully negotiating a turn can lead to serious accidents.

The Kissimmee auto accident lawyers at Draper Law Office can assist you after a crash. We help both native Florida residents as well as out-of-state visitors to the Central Florida area. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (407) 743-6628.

Source:

clickorlando.com/traffic/2025/08/04/florida-man-killed-in-crash-with-concrete-column-on-world-drive-ramp-in-osceola-county/