PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is searching for a hit-and-run driver who struck a motorcyclist and fled the scene on Friday afternoon at the intersection of U.S. 19 and Maryland Avenue in Hudson.
According to an FHP report, a silver mid-sized SUV, driven by an unknown motorist, was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 19 at about 1:33 p.m.
WATCH: Florida Highway Patrol searches for driver in Pasco hit-and-run crash who turned into path of motorcyclist
At the same time, a Suzuki motorcycle, driven by a 34-year-old Spring Hill man, was traveling southbound on the highway.
FHP shared a video showing the moment the unknown driver turned in front of the motorcyclist before speeding away onto Maryland Avenue.
The motorcyclist is reportedly suffering from serious injuries in the crash. Other witnesses stopped to help after the driver fled the scene.
"That was awful," said Sydney Rogers, a neighbor who lives in the area.
Rogers said she's frustrated with how often crashes happen on this stretch of road.
"I feel like 19 is so deadly that people need to be held responsible. People get away with it, too much of hitting and killing people, and just continue going, and nobody has to pay a price," Rogers said.
The crash happened on U.S. 19, which is considered to be one of the most dangerous roads in Florida. Neighbors said there are multiple reports of crashes and deaths that happen in the area.
Rogers, a parent, said she's worried about her children's safety.
"Both mad and sad, because you should have care for other people in the world, we need to have more compassion and consideration for others. You want to make stupid decisions, go ahead, but do it when others aren't around, you know, do it on your own time, not other people's time," Rogers said.
When asked how concerning the crashes are as a parent, Rogers said it's "very concerning because I want the kids to be safe in the area. I sure don't want to have to be like the parents of the kids who got injured, you know, watching my child fight for their life because they were just living everyday lives."
Earlier this month, two teens were struck in a hit-and-run crash on the same road, leaving them seriously injured. The mothers of those teens expressed their frustration last week.
"It's aggravating, it's horrible," one mother said.
"It's heartbreaking to see society and humanity is where it is today," another mother said.
The suspect accused of hitting the teens has since been located.
Rogers is calling for safer roadways and more cautious drivers.
"I just think that people need to be more cautious when in turn lanes, wait until you absolutely have a clear chance to go, be safer," Rogers said.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS.
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