Motorcyclist Killed in Ocean City While Evading Police

            A pickup truck and a motorcycle were involved in a deadly accident this afternoon along Coastal Highway.  Before the accident occurred, police were attempting to pull over the motorcycle for a traffic violation.  The motorcyclist sped off to avoid the police around 26^th Street.  The exact details surrounding the crash are unknown at this time.  However, we do know that the motorcyclist did not survive the crash.  It is likely that in attempting to evade the police, the motorcyclist was speeding and that might have played a role in the accident.  Coastal Highway between 26^th and 28^th Streets is still closed while police investigate.

            

           As we close in on the busy summer beach season, it is important to talk about increased traffic and the higher risk of serious accidents on the way to the beach and at the beach.  This weekend is Cruisin’ Weekend in Ocean City, which will bring in over 3,000 cars to show off to the public.  This is always a popular event every year at the beach and results in higher traffic on the roads.  Next weekend is Memorial Day Weekend, which is another busy time at the beach.  Drivers need to remember to remain cautious when driving to the beach so as to avoid an accident as we head into summer.

If you or a family member have been injured or killed in a Maryland car, truck, or motorcycle accident and would like to consult an experienced personal injury attorney for free, contact our office at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Ocean City or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/

Close to 10,000 Stopped Over Memorial Day Weekend by Police in Maryland

           Police officers across Maryland were cracking down on impaired, distracted, speeding, and seatbeltless drivers over Memorial Day Weekend.  Over, 9,500 vehicles were stopped, with 6,843 traffic citations doled out, 4,764 warnings, and 99 arrested for impaired driving.  Police along the busy routes to the beaches issued close to 700 speeding citations, 91 citations for other offenses, such as seatbelt usage and cell phone use.  Surprisingly, only two people were arrested for impaired driving, which is welcome news in Maryland, especially because there has been a major increase in drunk drivers on Maryland’s roadways.

            In terms of accidents across the state over the holiday weekend, there were about 100 crashes, and fortunately, only one fatality.  One traffic-related death is still one too many, but is definitely good news to see such a small number for a holiday weekend with a record number of travelers.  Maryland police and the Maryland State Highway Administration have had a campaign and plan in place to make sure there are zero deaths on Maryland’s roadways.  Police will continue to increase patrols along highways and major roadways to combat traffic accidents as much as possible.  The more impaired and distracted drivers that police can stop before they hurt someone else, the safer Maryland’s roads will be.

            Remember that during the summer, the number of drivers who make the irresponsible decision to drink and drive increases significantly.  Police specifically increase their DUI patrols during the summer months to try and combat the problem.  But it is impossible for police to catch everyone.  Always be cautious when you are driving and aware of your surroundings. 

            If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an accident caused by the fault or negligence of another person and would like to consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for free, contact us at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Annapolis or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/

 

Fatal Maryland Car Accident Near Eastern Shore

          A deadly car accident in Calvert County, Maryland last week is now believed to have been caused by another driver blacking out or falling asleep behind the wheel.  A 46 year old woman died after another driver crossed over the center line from the southbound lane into the northbound lane.  As a result, the likely drowsy driver crashed head-on into the 46 year old, who also had two young children in the car with her.  The woman was flown to the hospital and later died, but fortunately the two children only suffered minor injuries.  Now that the investigation of the accident has almost been completed, police have determined that driver fatigue or a sudden medical emergency caused the accident.

            With record high numbers of over 33 million people driving across the country to their destination for Memorial Day Weekend and over 800,000 people travelling just from Maryland, many car accidents are bound to occur.  Let’s all avoid a deadly accident this weekend by wearing your seatbelt, only drive when sober, avoid distractions while driving, and obey the speed limit.  While distractions are the number one cause of deadly car accidents, drowsy driving is another problem that causes many accidents.  When people are driving long distances, as many do during long holiday weekends, there is always a risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.  If you are one of the millions driving to get away for the weekend, be cautious of other drivers and only drive if you feel well rested.

            If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an accident caused by the fault or negligence of another person and would like to consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for free, contact us at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Ocean City or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/

Busiest Memorial Day Weekend Travel in a Decade in Maryland

          Over 800,000 Maryland residents will be travelling more than 50 miles during the Thursday to Monday period this weekend.  This is the largest number of travelers for Memorial Day Weekend since the summer of 2005, before the financial crisis.  AAA Mid-Atlantic projects that close to 90% of all Maryland travelers will be driving, a 5% increase from last year.  Low gas prices that have been in place for the last several months are a major factor contributing to the increase in people choosing to drive to their destination.  The average price of regular unleaded gas in Maryland is around $2.67, which is about $1 cheaper than this time last year.  While a majority of Marylanders will be driving by car, the number of people flying to their destination is expected to increase by 2.1% with about 58,500 fliers.

            Nationally, the number of Americans expected to travel this holiday weekend is over 37 million, also the highest number in about a decade.

            In Maryland, Memorial Day Weekend is usually the start of the busy season for the beaches, which means increased traffic along the Bay Bridge.  The Maryland Transportation Authority projects over 360,000 vehicles to cross the Bay Bridge this holiday weekend.  Traffic congestion will likely frustrate many drivers as they try to get to their destination.  With increased traffic, comes a higher risk of accidents.  Some of the most common causes of accidents when driving to the beach by way of the Bay Bridge include speeding, distractions, drunk driving, and driving too closely to the car in front of you.  To best avoid the worst of the traffic along the Bay Bridge, officials suggest travelling before 10am on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, before 7am on Saturday, after 10pm on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, or after 5pm on Saturday.

            Remember to abide by the posted speed limits, especially along the Bay Bridge, and wear your seatbelt at all times when driving in the car.  Some of the worst accidents have occurred along the Bridge, so be cautious of other drivers and get to your final destination safely. 

            If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an accident caused by the fault or negligence of another person and would like to consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for free, contact us at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Ocean City or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/