Pedestrian Killed While Crossing U.S. 41 in Early-Morning Bradenton Crash
A 30-year-old Bradenton man died early Thursday after being struck by a vehicle while crossing U.S. 41, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred around 5:50 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 41 (1st Street) and 31st Avenue East. Troopers said the pedestrian was walking west across 1st Street from 31st Avenue East when he stepped into the path of a southbound Ford Explorer traveling in the center lane.
The SUV, driven by a 17-year-old from Zolfo Springs, was moving through the intersection on a green signal when the collision happened. The front right side of the vehicle struck the pedestrian. Manatee County EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.
The Florida Highway Patrol’s Traffic Homicide Unit continues to review the circumstances of the crash. Officials have not released additional information regarding speed, lighting conditions, or other possible contributing factors.
Pedestrian safety remains a significant concern in the region. According to state crash data, Sarasota County has reported 5,563 crashes this year, including 27 fatalities and 3,747 injuries, while Manatee County has recorded 5,010 crashes, with 38 fatalities and 3,707 injuries. Major roadways such as U.S. 41 can be particularly hazardous during pre-dawn hours when lighting is limited and traffic remains steady.
Early morning collisions often occur when visibility is reduced before sunrise, pedestrians are difficult to see in limited lighting, and drivers may not anticipate foot traffic at that hour. Intersections that combine high-speed thoroughfares with nearby residential streets can also heighten the risk.
In Florida, civil matters related to traffic deaths operate separately from criminal investigations. Family members may still have legal avenues for civil claims, depending on factors such as driver attentiveness, vehicle speed, roadway lighting, headlight use, and whether a cautious driver could have reasonably detected the pedestrian. Under the state’s comparative fault system, responsibility may be shared, and families may be eligible for damages even if the pedestrian contributed to the incident.