From Maryland State Police:
Maryland State Police are continuing their investigation into the cause of a serious crash involving a pedestrian and International truck (box truck) which occurred yesterday evening on Route 7 (Philadelphia Road) east of Route 543 (Riverside Parkway).
The victim, Glen Arthur Welsh, 46 yoa, 3800 block of Copper Beech Drive, Abingdon, Md. was struck while walking along Route 7 by the passenger side mirror of an International truck traveling westbound on Route 7. Preliminarily, it appears that the pedestrian was walking in the traveled portion of the roadway when struck by the mirror of the truck. Prior to the crash, the operator of the truck, Randolph Lee Smith Sr., 53 yoa, of Essex, Md. attempted to avoid the pedestrian by swerving sharply to the left. Glen Arthur Welsh was transported by Maryland State Police medevac to the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center where he is currently listed in critical condition.
The investigation is continuing.
Pedestrian and bicycling traffic will continue to rise as the weather improves. The Maryland State Police would like to provide some safety tips and rules of the roadways for pedestrians and bicyclists:
Pedestrians:
1. Where a sidewalk is provided, a pedestrian may not walk along and on an adjacent roadway.
2. Where sidewalks are not provided, a pedestrian who walks along and on a highway may walk only on the left shoulder, if practicable, or on the left side of the roadway, as near as practicable to the edge of the roadway, facing any traffic that might approach from the opposite direction.
3. Be predictable. Stay off freeways and restricted zones. Use sidewalks where provided. Cross or enter streets where it is legal to do so.
4. Crosswalks and traffic lights don’t stop cars! The WALK signal does not mean it is safe to cross. It only means it is your turn to cross. Check to make sure all traffic has come to a stop before crossing.
5. Look before stepping past stopped vehicles—They may be blocking your view of moving traffic.
6. Wear bright clothes to be seen day or night. At night, wear reflective materials.
7. Stand on the side of the road while waiting for the bus and always stand at least 10 feet away from where the bus will stop.
9. Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to walk safely, just like they do a person’s ability to drive.
10. Try to make eye contact with the driver(s) to make sure they see you before you begin to cross.
Bicyclists:
1. Obey the Rules of the Road: Ride straight and single file in a predictable manner. Plan ahead and allow time to maneuver around road hazards and to negotiate with traffic and open car doors. Yield to pedestrians and obey all traffic signals and signs.
2. Ride with Traffic: Always ride on the right side. Use caution if passing other traffic on the right. When approaching an intersection, use the appropriate lane for the direction you intend to travel (left, straight, or right).
3. Signal All Turns: Look back before you make a lane change or turn. Signal safely in advance.
4. Make Left Hand Turns Safely: You may turn left as a vehicle by moving into the left side of the travel lane (or left turn lane) OR cross like a pedestrian by stopping, dismounting, and walking across crosswalks.
5. Be Prepared for Conditions: When braking in the rain or snow, allow extra distance to stop and look for pavement markings and utility covers which may become slippery.
6. Be Visible – Use Lights at Night: When riding at night, Maryland State Law requires a white headlight on front and a red reflector on the back visible from at least 600 feet. In addition, we recommend you wear bright clothing in the daytime and reflective clothing for night riding.
Please refer to the below links for more useful information concerning pedestrian and bicycling safety.
http://www.sha.state.md.us/Index.aspx?PageId=376 (Pedestrian Safety)
http://www.marylandroads.com/Index.aspx?PageId=357 (Bicycling Safety)
Updated with new information from Maryland State Police.