The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police investigators have concluded that the primary cause of the crash on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge last month was distracted driving on the part of the commercial-vehicle driver. The police report on the July 19 accident was released Thursday, Aug. 29.
“This crash demonstrates how critical it is that motorists devote their full attention to driving when operating motor vehicles,” said MDTA Police Chief Colonel Michael Kundrat. “A primary reason for crashes on the Bay Bridge is from tailgating. Maintaining a proper following distance is one of the simplest things drivers can do to stay safe and keep other motorists safe.”
On July 19 at 8:24 p.m., a three-vehicle crash occurred on the eastbound Bay Bridge. The crash involved an International truck/tractor pulling a semi-trailer, a Chrysler Sebring passenger car and a Mazda CX-5 sport utility vehicle (SUV). A Calvert County woman was the sole occupant of the Chrysler. Upon a second impact with the truck, the Chrysler was pushed over the bridge’s barrier wall and into the bay. The driver, Morgan Jade Lake, 23 of Sunderland, was able to unbuckle her seat belt, free herself from the vehicle and swim to safety at a nearby bridge pier abutment. She was transported via Medevac to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where she was treated for minor injuries.
The tractor-trailer operator, Gabor Lovasz, 29 of Canada, indicated to investigators that his attention was directed to his driver’s side mirror due to flashing headlights behind him.
The MDTA Police are charging Lovasz with failure to control speed to avoid a collision, unsafe lane changing, negligent driving and speed greater than reasonable and prudent on highway. The fines levied against Lovasz total $670.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
