Shocking Beach Accident: Sunbather Struck by Vehicle on New Smyrna Beach!

A relaxing day at the beach took a shocking turn for a man in Volusia County when he was run over by a car while sunbathing on New Smyrna Beach. The incident occurred on the afternoon of April 8, 2025, leaving the man with significant injuries and raising serious concerns about safety on local beaches.

The victim, later identified as Mark Davis, was lying on a towel, enjoying the sunshine, when a vehicle unexpectedly veered off the designated driving area and struck him. Witnesses on the beach described the scene as chaotic, with one person recalling the moment they first saw the car approaching. “I was just screaming,” said the onlooker. “It all happened so fast, we couldn’t believe it.”

What Led to the Accident?

The driver, a 45-year-old woman from Orlando, told authorities that her car’s brakes failed, causing her to lose control and end up on the beach. While the investigation is still ongoing, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the vehicle malfunction is believed to have caused the accident.

“It’s a rare and unfortunate situation,” said Sheriff Mike Chitwood. “We’re looking into everything to make sure we understand exactly what happened.”

Man Left With Serious Injuries

The victim was immediately helped by nearby beachgoers before paramedics arrived at the scene. He was rushed to the hospital with broken bones and internal injuries. His family is grateful that he survived the incident. “We’re just relieved he’s alive,” said his sister, Jessica Collins. “It’s been a traumatic experience, but we’re staying hopeful.”

Raising Safety Concerns on Volusia Beaches

This incident has prompted concerns about safety on beaches where vehicles are allowed to drive. New Smyrna Beach, like many others in Volusia County, has designated areas for cars to drive on the sand. However, with accidents like this, local officials are reconsidering the safety measures in place.

“We need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to protect both drivers and beachgoers,” said County Commissioner Debbie Mayfield. “We’re going to take a close look at our policies to see if there are any changes needed.”

Investigation Underway

As of now, no charges have been filed against the driver, but the investigation continues. Authorities are looking into whether the car’s mechanical failure could have been prevented and if there was any negligence involved.

For now, the incident serves as a reminder for everyone to exercise caution on the beach and follow all posted safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.