Jacksonville Tow Truck Collision Marks 50th Traffic Fatality of 2023

A woman in her 20s or 30s was fatally struck by a tow truck while riding an e-bike in Jacksonville at the intersection of Blanding Boulevard and San Juan Avenue. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the tow truck, traveling southbound alongside the bicyclist, collided with her during a right turn; the driver is cooperating with authorities and impairment is not suspected. The woman, who was not wearing a helmet, died at the scene, marking Jacksonville's 50th traffic fatality and the fourth involving a bicyclist this year. The incident is part of a troubling rise in e-bike accidents in the area, with recent crashes also resulting in serious injuries to other riders. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is conducting a traffic homicide investigation to determine fault, and the incident has heightened concerns about e-bike safety as their popularity increases.