Another Pedestrian Killed in Charles Co.


CALIFORNIA, Md. (October 21, 2011)—Another pedestrian has been killed in Charles County while trying to cross Route 301. Maryland State Police report that a person who resides in Waldorf was killed on Thursday around 5:22 a.m. as they were attempting to cross northbound 301, north of VFW Road from the center median. Police have not released the name or sex of the person pending notification of the family.

Police investigators determined that Wyvonia Carter, 59 of Waldorf, was traveling northbound on US. Rt. 301 south of Substation Road in lane 1 driving a 2007 Toyota Camry when she struck the pedestrian who entered the roadway.

The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Ms. Carter was transported to CiVista Hospital via ambulance.

Police say the determining factor in the accident was that the pedestrian was illegally in the roadway.

A pedestrian was just killed in La Plata on October 16 as he was crossing southbound Route 301 at Oriole Lane in La Plata. Police say there was no crosswalk on the roadway where the pedestrian was crossing. Before that, a Waldorf man was killed on September 22 as he was illegally crossing southbound US 301, south of Sub-Station Road.

STATE POLICE REMIND PEDESTRIANS TO TRAVEL SAFELY

State Troopers from the La Plata Barrack remind pedestrians about the importance of safety when traveling Maryland roads on foot. Statewide and Local pedestrian fatality collisions have increased significantly from the previous year.

More and more people are choosing to take to the roads than ever before. For some people, maintaining a healthy lifestyle means using the road to walk or run. As a reminder, there are numerous Parks and Recreation areas in Charles County for these types of activities. For those who try to save on gas, electing to walk to the store or to their friends' home is the mode of transportation used instead of driving.

It is not only motorists who need to take extra caution when a pedestrian is using the road. State troopers also remind pedestrians to use extra caution.

As a pedestrian, it is important to avoid dangerous situations and make yourself visible to others:

-- Wear bright/light colored clothing
-- Wear reflectors, to make you more noticeable, especially from dusk to dark.
-- Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
-- Cross the road in only the well-lit areas at night or at crosswalks, if available.
-- Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars and other obstacles BEFORE crossing .
-- Always walk on a sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
-- Don't assume vehicles will stop, make eye contact with drivers. If the driver is on a cell phone, be aware, they may not see you.
-- Don't rely solely on pedestrian signals; look before crossing.
-- Watch for turning vehicles and make sure the driver sees you and stops.
-- Look across ALL lanes before crossing.
-- Avoid wearing headphones or talking on a cell phone.
-- Children should always be accompanied by an adult.

"Pedestrian safety is a serious safety concern for not only motorists, but for pedestrians," said Lt. Charles Parlett, Commander of the La Plata Barrack. "It is also the responsibility of the pedestrian to take extra precautions to ensure their visibility to the motoring public.

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