What started as a normal drive on a Florida highway quickly turned chaotic when a driver abruptly hit the brakes to avoid hitting a turtle crossing the road. While the move was meant to save the animal, it set off a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles.
According to reports, the driver stopped suddenly, catching other motorists off guard. With little time to react, several cars collided, resulting in a pileup. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt.
The incident has sparked debate about how to balance concern for wildlife with the need for road safety. While many people sympathize with the driver’s desire to protect the turtle, experts warn that sudden stops on high-speed roads can be dangerous—and sometimes deadly.
The turtle, unaware of the commotion, made it safely across the highway. Meanwhile, officials are reminding drivers to stay alert, keep a safe distance, and, when possible, report wildlife sightings on major roads rather than stopping abruptly.
Watch the video below to see how it all played out.