Serious beach crash draws countywide attention

A serious crash on a Volusia County beach is serving as a stark reminder for Edgewater-area residents to stay alert anywhere vehicles are allowed on the sand. According to the sheriff’s office, a woman was run over by a pickup truck while sunbathing in a designated beach driving lane. The incident happened in Ormond Beach, but the safety message applies across Volusia’s drivable beaches used by residents from Edgewater and Southeast Volusia.

Authorities said the crash occurred when the driver of a Chevy Silverado made an illegal turn and struck the woman, who was lying in an area where vehicles are permitted. Deputies described serious injuries, including tire marks on the victim’s torso and abdomen. She was taken to a hospital and was still recovering months later, according to the report.

Why this matters in Edgewater

While the crash did not happen in Edgewater itself, many local residents regularly head north or south for beach days and may not always think about how easily the driving lane can blend into the rest of the shoreline. Volusia’s beach-driving system is unusual enough that both visitors and longtime locals can let their guard down, especially during busy weekends and warmer weather.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood said the driver remained at the scene and was cited for traffic violations. Investigators said he was not wearing his glasses and made an illegal turn before hitting the woman. The sheriff also made clear that beach driving is expected to continue, placing responsibility on both drivers and pedestrians to pay close attention.

Safety takeaway for local families

For Edgewater readers, the practical guidance is straightforward: know where the driving lanes are, avoid setting up chairs or towels anywhere vehicles travel, and keep children close in active beach-driving areas. Drivers should move slowly, keep windows down and watch constantly for pedestrians, cyclists and beachgoers crossing the lane.

The incident underscores how quickly a routine beach outing can turn into a life-changing emergency. On Volusia beaches, the sand is not always just a pedestrian space. Residents planning trips should treat marked driving areas like a roadway, even when the beach appears open and calm.

Countywide relevance beyond the headline

This is the kind of county story that carries practical value for Edgewater because it affects how local families use one of the region’s most popular public spaces. As temperatures rise and beach traffic increases, the warning is timely. Whether heading out from Edgewater for a quick day trip or hosting visiting family, residents should make sure everyone understands where cars are allowed and how to stay out of those lanes.