Two Passengers Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash at U.S. 90 and SR 285 in Walton County

Two passengers were killed Tuesday morning in a three-vehicle crash involving a pickup truck, semi-truck and SUV at the intersection of U.S. 90 and State Road 285 in Walton County.

The September 15, 2026 crash occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

FHP reported that a pickup truck carrying a driver and two passengers was traveling west on U.S. 90 and attempting to turn left onto State Road 285 under a flashing yellow traffic signal.

As the pickup turned, it entered the path of an oncoming semi-truck, according to troopers. The impact pushed the pickup into a northbound SUV.

Both passengers inside the pickup died as a result of the collision.

The pickup driver was not injured, and no injuries were reported among the occupants of the semi-truck or SUV.

What Happened at U.S. 90 and State Road 285?

According to FHP, the pickup was traveling west on U.S. 90 shortly before the collision.

At the intersection with State Road 285, the driver began making a left turn while operating under a flashing yellow signal.

During the turn, the pickup entered the path of an approaching semi-truck.

The semi struck the pickup, and the force of that collision pushed the pickup into an SUV traveling north.

The pickup’s two passengers suffered fatal injuries. The pickup driver escaped injury, as did the people in the other two vehicles.

What Does a Flashing Yellow Signal Mean for a Left-Turning Driver?

The flashing yellow signal is an important detail in the investigation.

A flashing yellow arrow generally permits a driver to make a left turn but requires the driver to yield to oncoming traffic before completing the maneuver.

Unlike a protected green arrow, a flashing yellow signal does not give the turning vehicle an exclusive right-of-way through the intersection.

Investigators may therefore examine the positions and speeds of both the pickup and semi as the pickup began its turn.

Florida Law Requires Left-Turning Drivers to Yield

Florida Statute § 316.122 addresses vehicles making left turns across approaching traffic.

The law generally requires a driver intending to turn left within an intersection to yield the right-of-way to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction when those vehicles are within the intersection or close enough to constitute an immediate hazard.

Once the driver has yielded and can safely make the turn, the maneuver may proceed.

FHP’s preliminary account indicates that the pickup turned into the path of the approaching semi. The complete investigation will be important in determining the timing, distance and actions of each driver before i