Collier County crash prompts bill for tougher red light runner penalties

Fort Myers, Fla (WINK) — A deadly 2024 crash in Collier County is prompting legislative action aimed at increasing the penalty for drivers who commit violations that result in traffic accidents.

In Sept. 2024, a 47-year-old mother died and two children were injured after a semi-truck ran a red light on Immokalee.

At the time of her death, the woman was driving her son and his friend to school. One boy's injuries resulted in a temporary coma.

In July, WINK News spoke exclusively with 12-year-old Brecket King, one of the boys injured in the crash.

"At first, I was pretty scared," King previously told WINK News.

At the time of the crash, one 911 caller described the scene as looking "like a tanker truck just totally broadsided it [the other car]."

"Then, I realized how lucky I was to be where I was," King said in July.

State Rep. Lauren Melo (R-Naples) said King's story prompted her to introduce House Bill 807.

"We can't bring back these people that have died," she said. "But we can hopefully do something and make sure that we protect human life going forward."

The proposed legislation seeks to increase punishment for drivers who commit traffic violations that result in crashes.

"This is all about making our streets safer," Melo said. "We are going to increase the severity of the law if you just decide to ignore it."

The bill proposes a tiered system of increased fines and mandatory court appearances for drivers who cause accidents by failing to yield, running red lights, or disregarding stop signs.

"We want to deter this kind of behavior," Melo said. "Stop signs and red lights should not be suggestions."

As of now, those infractions often result in routine citations, despite their potential to cause fatalities.

"Our intention is to save lives," she said.

The bill has garnered bipartisan support and is progressing through the legislative process. If passed, the bill will take effect on Oct. 1.