Old Town Tragedy is in Addition to Two Pedestrian-Injury Crashes this Week
January 25, 2019 – (OLD TOWN, MAINE) The second pedestrian death in Maine occurred yesterday just sixteen days after the first. A 24-year-old man was struck and killed by a truck with a plow on a roadway in Old Town on Thursday, Jan. 24 at approximately 5:30 p.m.
According to local news reports, the driver was making a turn onto Stillwater Street from Bennoch Road when he hit the pedestrian. No further details are available at this time.
In addition to the two pedestrian fatalities this month, there have also been 11 pedestrians injured by car crashes so far this year, including two this week in Bath and South Portland.
“We are alarmed at the number of fatalities and injuries to pedestrians this early in 2019,” said Bicycle Coalition of Maine Executive Director John Williams.
As the state’s leading group promoting bicycling and walking safety, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine routinely monitors crash reports for incidents that involve bicyclists and pedestrians, and advocates for improved transportation infrastructure and policies to make Maine better for bicycling and walking. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine will continue to track this case to determine what if any infrastructure changes could be made to prevent this type of tragedy from occurring again.
The Old Town fatality also highlights the need for all motorists to stay alert and aware, obey speed limits, and never drive distracted or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Pedestrians and other vulnerable users can be present on Maine’s roadways in all conditions and times of day. Additionally, pedestrians and cyclists should use extra care to be visible, especially when walking or biking after dark, and to follow best practices and the law for roadway safety.