This year, Lake and Sumter counties have seen a heartbreaking number of fatal and near fatal accidents. These aren’t just numbers on a police report—they are people whose lives were cut short and whose loved ones now face a void that will never be filled. 

The reasons behind these accidents are disturbingly common: speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving and failure to yield. These are behaviors we all know are dangerous, yet they persist, creating chaos on roads that are increasingly busy due to the influx of residents moving to our area. The question we must ask ourselves as a community is simple: How many more lives need to be lost before we collectively decide to slow down, pay attention and prioritize safety?

In 2023, Florida saw over 3,000 traffic fatalities statewide according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. While Lake and Sumter counties may not be the most populous areas in the state, they are not immune to the rising dangers of the road. Rapid population growth, increased tourism and the rise of new developments mean more cars on the road—and more opportunities for accidents.

We must start by acknowledging that safety is a shared responsibility. Every driver has the power to reduce their risk and the risk to others simply by following basic road rules. This means driving the speed limit, avoiding distractions like texting, yielding the right of way, and, of course, never driving under the influence. These aren’t just good habits—they are lifesaving practices.

We also need to rethink how we view driving itself. For too many people, getting behind the wheel is a mindless routine rather than the serious, potentially dangerous task that it is. Every moment on the road requires full attention. A single lapse in focus—a glance at a phone, a rushed turn—can result in irreversible consequences.

Beyond policy and enforcement, what Lake and Sumter counties need most is a cultural shift. Driving shouldn’t be seen as a race to get from point A to point B, but rather as a responsibility we all share. It’s about valuing every life on the road, whether it’s your own, your passengers’ or the strangers in the cars around you.

This isn’t just a message for drivers. Cyclists, pedestrians and even passengers play a role in advocating for road safety. Speak up when someone is speeding or texting behind the wheel. Follow traffic laws whether you’re walking, biking or riding. Our roads are shared by all, and it’s up to each of us to keep them safe.