07/10/2009

(MANATEE COUNTY, FL) -- An unusual accident just off the southbound lanes of Interstate 75 in Manatee County killed one man and seriously injured another Monday.

The Florida Highway Patrol says a truck suddenly flipped in an unlikely location - the entrance to the southbound on-ramp to the interstate off of State Road 70 in Bradenton.

Both male passengers were ejected.

Troopers say they do not know what caused the crash, but say the outcome did not have to be so severe. Both men were not wearing their seat belts.

Starting Tuesday law enforcement can pull over any driver caught not buckling up. Previously, you could only be fined for not wearing a seat belt if authorities stopped you for another violation.

Lieutenant Doug Dodson of the Florida Highway Patrol says the new law could have affected this accident.

"If they had them on maybe they would have survived this crash," Dodson said.

Source: http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2009/6/29/490564.html