Deadly I-75 crash in Collier County raises questions about highway lighting

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — New details are emerging about the deadly crash on I-75 in Collier County that killed three people, including a Good Samaritan who stopped to help.

The crash happened just before 4 a.m. on I-75 near the Pine Ridge Road exit on Sunday morning. In the days since the tragedy, some have questions about whether lighting or visibility could have been a factor.

Some drivers say they believe I-75 is generally well-lit, while others say additional lighting could help improve safety. WINK News reached out to the Florida Department of Transportation to address these concerns.

FDOT says all existing high-mast highway lighting in the area remains fully operational. FDOT also says its ongoing diverging diamond interchange project includes the installation of additional ramp lighting.

Those new lights are currently being added to the system and are not yet on.

"The Florida Department of Transportation extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by Sunday morning's tragic crash on I-75," FDOT said. "Regarding your inquiry about the infrastructure in that area, all existing high-mast highway lighting that was in place prior to the start of the current Diverging Diamond Interchange project remains fully operational."

"As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, the current construction project does include the installation of additional ramp lighting at the Pine Ridge Road exit; these new fixtures are currently being integrated into the system and are not yet active," FDOT said.

WINK News spoke with drivers about their experiences on that stretch of highway. Matthew Lamb said he's never had an issue when it comes to lighting on I-75.

"The visibility's been fine," Lamb said. "I haven't had any issues with lighting or dark spots to speak of. And it's a fairly wide open road."

"It's just hard to believe, you know, that somebody could do that and be that confused," Lamb said. "I'm not sure I understand."

Susan Shaw said she believes more lighting could improve safety.

"I do believe that there should be more lighting on 75 for safety reasons," Shaw said. "If there were more lighting, it may have been able to be avoidable."

FDOT says it continues to cooperate with the investigation while Florida Highway Patrol works to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. The multi-agency investigation into the specific circumstances surrounding the crash, including visibility and driver factors, is being conducted by law enforcement.