(Eliot, ME) January 16, 2025 – A 13-year-old girl was found unconscious in a ditch on Worster Road in Eliot on Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle. Police determined the driver fled the scene, leaving the young pedestrian critically injured. Following an investigation and canvassing of the neighborhood, officers located the vehicle and driver involved in the crash.
An 82-year-old man from Eliot has been charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and is scheduled to appear in court in April. The girl was transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital for treatment, and the extent of her injuries has not been disclosed.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by Maine’s most vulnerable road users and the urgent need for communities to prioritize pedestrian safety. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) emphasizes the importance of Vision Zero—an initiative to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through safer infrastructure, better enforcement, and public awareness.
“The crash in Eliot serves as a painful reminder that our streets remain dangerous for pedestrians, especially children,” said Andrew Zarro, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. “It is unacceptable that any driver would leave the scene of a crash, and we will continue to advocate for policies and infrastructure that prioritize safety for all road users.”
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is calling on municipalities to take immediate action to prevent such incidents, including:
- Safe Infrastructure: Creating safer roadways with pedestrian-friendly designs, traffic calming measures, and adequate lighting.
- Education and Enforcement: Promoting awareness campaigns about sharing the road responsibly and enforcing penalties for reckless or negligent driving.
- Data Analysis: Strengthening systems to collect and analyze crash data, ensuring solutions are informed by accurate, timely information.
“Every incident like this is preventable,” added Zarro. “By adopting Vision Zero strategies, we can ensure the safety of our children and all Mainers who walk, bike, and roll on our streets.”
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine remains committed to working with communities and the state to create a transportation system where no one has to fear for their safety.
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The Bicycle Coalition of Maine works to make Maine a better and safer place to bike, walk, and roll. Founded in 1992, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine has grown into the leading bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group in the state. The Coalition believes all Mainers should have access to bikes and bike education, and we envision a future where Maine’s roads, public ways, and trails are safe and accessible, resulting in cleaner travel options, improved health, and stronger economic benefits for Maine communities.