A truck crashed into a stopped car on Melbourne Bypass near State Road 520 around 2:45 a.m. Monday, according to Brevard County police. The collision occurred in the left lane, causing minor damage to both vehicles. No injuries were reported, but traffic backed up for nearly two miles before officers cleared the scene.
Witnesses told investigators the truck appeared to be traveling at high speed before striking the stopped car, which had its hazard lights on. The driver of the stopped vehicle, a 38-year-old man from Melbourne, said he had pulled over to avoid hitting a deer. His car sustained front-end damage, while the truck’s right side was dented.
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jeff Taylor said the truck driver, whose identity has not been released, was cited for reckless driving. Alcohol and drug tests are pending. The crash is being investigated as a possible case of impaired driving, though no evidence of intoxication was found at the scene.
The incident disrupted traffic on one of the busiest roads in the area, with delays reported for over an hour. Local officials urged drivers to avoid the Bypass between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. while repairs were made to the damaged lane markers. The Florida Highway Patrol is reviewing dashboard camera footage from nearby businesses to determine the exact sequence of events.
This is the third major collision on Melbourne Bypass this year, prompting calls from residents for increased law enforcement presence. Councilman Carlos Alvarez said the county is considering adding more speed cameras to the route. The crash comes as Brevard County prepares to launch a new public safety campaign targeting impaired driving next month.