4 Pedestrians Struck While Crossing 'Dangerous' Road Near Route 100
GLEN BURNIE, Md. (WJZ) – Lucky to be alive! Three people escape death after being hit near a major intersection in Anne Arundel County. A fourth person remains in the hospital.
Rochelle Ritchie has details on what police call the cause of the accident.
The hospitalized victim is now in fair condition. The accident happened just four days after Anne Arundel County police ended a monthlong awareness campaign on pedestrian and driver safety.
It's not unusual to see foot traffic along Quarterfield Road at Route 100.
"Walking all the time, all the time. A lot of people don't have cars these days 'cause of the economy," said pedestrian Roy Johnson.
Thursday night, as four people tried to cross the on-ramp, they were hit by a car.
"Approximately 5:30, we were dispatched for a possible pedestrian, more than one, struck at Quarterfield road near 100 eastbound," said Battalion Chief Steve Thompson of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.
Two 16-year-old males, a 19-year old- female, and a 20 year old male were all taken to Shock Trauma.
Drivers said with no street lighting, they are not shocked.
"'Cause it's so dark out here. Once that sun goes down, that's it," said driver Barbara Johnson.
The sidewalk goes for quite a while on Quarterfield Road but ends abruptly just before the on-ramp.
News of the accident put fear in other walkers.
"I didn't want to walk down it, I got a ride home," said Nancy Chong.
The victims were wearing dark clothing, colors which could prove fatal for pedestrians at night.
Anne Arundel County Police said nine people were hit and killed while walking in 2012.
In order to prevent more fatalities, a month-long awareness program promoting road safety focused on distracted driving, impaired driving, aggressive driving, pedestrian safety and speed enforcement.
Three of the victims were treated and released. The fourth remains in the hospital.
Police hope this is a reminder for pedestrians to also follow the rules of the road.
"Utilize crosswalks if they are available. Wear reflective clothing," said Anne Arundel County police spokesman Justin Mulcahy.
And because the pedestrians were not on a crosswalk, police are calling this pedestrian error.
The driver will not face any charges.
