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Steven Vance Gatlin, a 47-year-old truck driver of Lakeland, Florida, died after being involved in a 3-car collision that occurred between Lake Wales and Frostproof, Florida. The accident occurred around 6:56 a.m. A 2004 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer rig, a 2004 Ford minivan and a 2006 GMC pickup truck were all involving in the collision. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Gatlin, the driver of the Freightliner, failed to maintain his lane and entered into oncoming traffic. The reason(s) for Gatlin’s failure to maintain his lane are unknown. The Freightliner collided with the pickup, causing the pickup to spin into oncoming traffic, where it went into the path of and struck the minivan. The contact caused the minivan to overturn on its right side. The Freightliner also spun out of control and jack-knifed; it finally came to a rest in a ditch.
Rescue personnel pronounced Gatlin dead at the scene. David Theodore Alban, 43, of Loxahatchee, was identified as the driver of the pickup and sustained minor personal injuries. James Alfonso Huggins, 50, the driver of the minivan and his passenger, 51-year-old Catherine D. Huggings, both of Lakeland, were both transported to Lake Wales Medical Center and treated for their personal injuries. If you would like to read more on this accident please see Truck driver pronounced dead in 3-car collision.
The death of this man is a tragedy for his family and community. Florida roadways can be very dangerous. It is important for drivers to stay alter and keep their focus on the road. Florida drivers should always be aware of their surroundings, stay in their lane, and be courteous to others on the road.