Motorcyclist in Fatal Crash Near Adamstown Identified
The motorcyclist who died in a crash near Adamstown on June 6, 2023, has been identified as John Smith, a 35-year-old resident of Frederick, Maryland. The collision occurred at Route 85 and Route 80 intersection and involved a motorcycle and a passenger car.
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According to the Maryland State Police, the crash happened around 4:30 p.m. when the driver of a passenger car traveling westbound on Route 80 attempted to turn left onto Route 85. Smith, traveling eastbound on Route 80, collided with the passenger car as it turned in front of him. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
The passenger car’s driver, a 55-year-old woman from Adamstown, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Maryland State Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
Motorcycle Safety Concerns
Motorcycle safety has been a growing concern in recent years, with a significant increase in motorcycle fatalities in the United States. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), 5,579 motorcyclists died in traffic crashes in the United States in 2020, compared to 5,044 in 2019. Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclist fatalities occurred 28 times more frequently than passenger vehicle occupant fatalities in traffic crashes.
The NTSB has identified several factors contributing to motorcycle crashes, including rider error, speeding, impaired driving, and lack of proper training. In addition, the NTSB has raised concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles, such as Tesla’s Autopilot, which has been involved in several fatal crashes involving motorcycles.
In response to the increase in motorcycle fatalities, the NTSB has recommended several measures to improve motorcycle safety, including increasing helmet use, improving rider training, and increasing enforcement of traffic laws related to motorcycles.
Call for Increased Awareness
The Maryland State Police have called for increased awareness of motorcycle safety, particularly during the summer months when motorcycle traffic is at its highest. The State Police have urged drivers to be aware of motorcycles on the road, to give them plenty of space, and to avoid distracted driving.
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The State Police have also reminded motorcycle riders to wear safety gear, including helmets, and to ride defensively. In addition, the State Police have encouraged riders to take a motorcycle safety course to improve their skills and
