Above photo from Change.org
Sunderland, MD – A multi-vehicle collision that claimed the lives of a Solomons couple Monday, March 12 has prompted local residents to demand action from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). A petition circulated by Change.org by Shawna McQuate states that the deadly crash at Route 2 and Clyde Jones Road in Sunderland is more proof the intersection is unsafe.
“It is time for community and school families to reach out to the Maryland Department of Transportation and demand action,” McQuate stated. “Enough is enough! Too many car accidents have occurred at or near this deadly intersection. We should not have to hold our breath and pray every time we turn into and out of our children’s school.” McQuate stated that a serious crash occurred at the intersection Dec. 1 involving “a Sunderland Elementary [School (SES)] family member.” Among the actions proposed in McQuate’s missive are official state designation of a school zone in the area of SES, flashing warning lights, a lower speed limit and a red light with a protected left turn.
Holly Mona, whose child attends SES, told TheBayNet.com that she was involved in a motor vehicle collision at the intersection in early December (photo, right). Mona and her 16-month-old son were transported to a hospital while the driver of another vehicle was flown to a regional trauma center. Mona contacted Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. [D – District 27] the day after the March 12 double fatality requesting the state to do something about the intersection. Miller, in turn, sent a letter to MDOT Secretary Pete Rahn. “Although this matter [vehicle crash] is still under investigation, this location is precariously close to Sunderland Elementary School and therefore, I write to you to request your urgent assistance with this very important safety issue,” Miller stated. “Since the intersection is the site of various fatalities and accidents, I am strongly requesting that the Department of Transportation perform a prompt safety evaluation of this intersection. Additionally, I recognize that speed may also be a contributing factor to this problem and so I will be requesting that local and state law enforcement perform increased speed enforcement of this intersection. However, I ask that you work with them directly surrounding the review of this intersection and to determine if a speed camera can be installed because of the proximity to the school zone.”
Since contacting Miller, Mona learned from MDOT’s State Highway Administration (SHA) and the Calvert County Department of Public Works that the SHA will be conducting a 90-day study at the intersection. Components such as speed limit and signage would be considered. Mona also told TheBayNet.com that a meeting among concerned citizens, the SHA and the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office will also take place.
To read and sign the Change.org petition, click here.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
