Campus roads mix cars, bikes, and people on foot, often after dark. Near the University of Central Florida on Friday night, a rear-end crash turned into a hit-and-run that left eight teenagers hurt.
What Happened
According to WESH, citing the Florida Highway Patrol, troopers responded around 7:53 p.m. Friday to a hit-and-run on University Boulevard near Technological Avenue in Orange County.
Investigators said a Honda Fit, a 2020 Honda Civic, and a 2025 Honda Civic were traveling on University Boulevard when the Fit struck the 2020 Civic from behind. That impact redirected the 2020 Civic, which struck a group of pedestrians, while the 2025 Civic veered off the road. The Fit then also struck the right side of the 2025 Civic.
The Fit’s driver fled. Witnesses gave troopers a tag number, and the vehicle was later found abandoned in a hotel parking lot on Technological Avenue and taken into custody for processing.
The pedestrians included four 15-year-olds, two 16-year-olds, one 17-year-old, and one 18-year-old. Orange County Fire Rescue said seven of eight patients were hospitalized, including one trauma alert. The drivers of the two Civics were not injured and stayed at the scene. FHP and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.
We’re thinking of the teens who were hurt and hoping for their recovery. The investigation will sort out fault. The habits below help any driver on a busy boulevard near campus.
Leave Enough Space Ahead
Rear-end crashes often start with following too closely. On a multilane road with people walking nearby, a sudden stop can push a vehicle into a sidewalk or crosswalk.
- Keep a longer following distance at night and in stop-and-go campus traffic.
- Watch brake lights two or three cars ahead, not just the bumper in front of you.
- Slow earlier near crosswalks, bus stops, and groups of pedestrians.
- Put the phone away. A glance down is enough to miss brake lights.
If You’re Involved in a Crash, Stay
Florida law is clear about leaving the scene. Under Fla. Stat. ยง 316.027, a driver involved in a crash that injures someone must stop at or near the scene and remain until the required information is given. Leaving after an injury crash is a serious crime. Staying also helps injured people get help faster.
- Stop as soon as you can do it safely.
- Call 911.
- Check on anyone who may be hurt, without putting yourself in traffic.
- Exchange information and wait for law enforcement.
After a Hit-and-Run Is Reported
If you witness a crash and a driver leaves:
- Note the plate, vehicle color, and direction of travel when you can do it safely.
- Call 911 and stay available for troopers if you’re able.
- Don’t chase the fleeing vehicle. Your job is to help from a safe place, not to create another crash.
Campus areas often have cameras and plenty of witnesses. The abandoned Fit in this case was found because people paid attention and shared a tag number.
Sharing Campus Corridors
University Boulevard and similar roads carry students on foot every evening.
- Expect pedestrians near the curb, even outside marked crosswalks.
- Yield to people in crosswalks, and make eye contact when you can.
- Use headlights after dusk so you’re visible and so you can see people sooner.
- If you feel a bump or hear a crash, don’t assume it’s minor. Stop and check.
Florida BDI for Orange and Osceola Tickets
If you get a noncriminal traffic ticket in Orange or Osceola County, Florida may let you elect Basic Driver Improvement instead of taking points. Defensive Drivers Institute’s Florida BDI course is for tickets issued in Orange County or Osceola County. It’s 100% online, you can pause anytime, and when you pass we report your completion to FLHSMV electronically.
Elect BDI with the clerk within 30 days of the citation. You generally can’t elect it if you’ve used BDI in the past 12 months, have already used it eight times, hold a CDL, or were cited for going 30 mph or more over the limit. For the full rules, see our Orange and Osceola BDI guide.
The Bottom Line
Leave room ahead, watch for people on foot, and if a crash happens, stay. Leaving the scene after someone is hurt makes a bad situation far worse.
Got a ticket in Orange or Osceola County? Confirm you’re eligible, then start the Florida BDI course.
