News Releases

13 Fatal Collisions Involving Pedestrians this Year; Montgomery County Police Concerned

For Immediate Release: Monday, November 2, 2020

There have been 32 fatal collisions with 34 victims so far this year in Montgomery County, which exceeds the 2019 numbers of 32 fatal collisions with 33 victims (total for the year).  13 of the fatal collisions this year involved pedestrians.  There have been two fatal collisions involving pedestrians in the past four days.   

• Friday, October 30, at approximately 2:35 p.m., there was a collision on Germantown Road at Middlebrook Road.  Preliminary investigation by the detectives revealed that the pedestrian was attempting to cross Germantown Road when he was struck by a vehicle traveling south on Germantown Road.  
• Monday, November 2, at approximately 5:55 a.m., there was a collision on Shady Grove Road at Briardale Road.  A preliminary investigation by the detectives revealed that the pedestrian was attempting to cross Shady Grove Road when he was struck by a vehicle traveling north on Shady Grove Road.  

The investigators from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Collision Reconstruction Unit continue to investigate both collisions and will examine the visibility factor at the time of the collisions.  The preliminary investigations revealed that both collisions involved a pedestrian attempting to cross a roadway in an area near a crosswalk.  Investigation indicated that the drivers involved in both collisions were driving on a green traffic signal.     

The end of Daylight Saving Time (DST) and this time of the year present many challenges to all motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.  Decreased daylight hours can contribute to more time traveling in the dark with reduced visibility.  Changes in sleep patterns may increase the chance of drowsy driving.  Also, inclement weather can contribute to a more hazardous driving condition.   

It is critically important for drivers to be aware of pedestrians.  Drivers should stay off their phones and drive at speeds that enable them to adequately see all aspects of the roadway.  Drivers should look for any pedestrians waiting to cross the road and drive defensively, expecting the unexpected.   

Pedestrians must utilize crosswalks and cross lights when available.  Also, pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers to ensure they are seen and that vehicles stop before pedestrians cross the street.  Whenever possible, pedestrians should use high visibility gears to enhance being seen by motorists.   

Everyone – motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists - are responsible for keeping our roadways safe and ensuring a Vision Zero community.   

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Release ID: 20-435
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: uncategorized