Four teens visiting from Missouri survived a collision between a low-speed vehicle (LSV) and a car on Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach late Tuesday night, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
- The crash occurred just before midnight in an area locals call “the stretch” between County Highway 395 and Inlet Beach.
The four occupants of the LSV, all under 16 years old, were heading to Walmart near Dune Lakes Elementary when their vehicle, which had no headlights on, was struck by a car traveling east on Highway 98.
Deputy Benjamin Jacobs, who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, expressed disbelief at the outcome. “I don’t know how everyone lived,” he said. “How did these kids survive with just bumps and bruises?”
Three of the juveniles were treated on scene by South Walton Fire District, while parents took the fourth to the emergency room for a possible sprained ankle.
- The driver of the car, described as a gentleman from Texas, reportedly couldn’t see the LSV crossing his path due to the darkness. The speed limit in the area is 65 mph.
The incident highlights an ongoing safety concern for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. “Low-Speed Vehicles driving on Highway 98 is something, unfortunately, that is familiar to our agency. It’s dangerous. It’s illegal. LSVs are not golf carts,” the sheriff’s office stated.
In response to the persistent issue, the sheriff’s office has implemented several measures, including proactive stops of LSVs, creating informational stickers for rental businesses and property management companies, holding yearly meetings, and developing a website addressing rules of the road.
- “We are fortunate that in this crash no one lost their lives,” the sheriff’s office said. “But, eventually, that luck will run out if something doesn’t change.”
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents, workers, and visitors to help spread awareness about LSV laws and safety. They encourage the public to visit waltonso.org/lsv for more information on LSV regulations in the area.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash.
