HUNTINGTOWN, MD: In a recent statement issued by the Maryland State Police, a fatal accident ocurred on Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at approximately 5:25 P.M. A bicyclist was struck and killed on MD Rt. 2-4 just south of Plum Point Road across from Lord Calvert Bowl. The victim has been identified as Laurie L. Palmer, 56, of Lisbon, Ohio. She was part of a traveling nurse program which allows qualified nurses to accept short-term assignments in areas that are short-handed.
Witnesses stated that Ms. Palmer had stopped near the south end of concrete divider separating the acceleration lane used by motorists turning southbound onto Rt 2-4 from Plum Poiint Rd from southbound MD Rt. 2-4. While attempting to pedal across the southbound lanes of MD Rt. 2-4 she failed to observe a motor vehicle lawfully traveling in the slow lane. The vehicle, a 2004 Nissan sedan, driven by Mr. Jeremy R. Evans, 28, of Lexington Park, braked but was unable to avoid striking the victim while she was astride her Trek bicycle.
Mr. Evans brought his Nissan to a controlled stop on the right shoulder. Neither he nor his 6 year old son was injured in the collision.
Police responded within minutes of the crash and determined that the victim had sustained fatal injuries.
Members of the Maryland State Police, Barrack “U” and Calvert County Sheriff’s Office worked in unison to thoroughly investigate the crash. Calvert Investigation Team (CIT) members and Crash Reconstruction Specialist from the Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The southbound lanes of MD Rt. 2-4 were closed for 1.5 hours to safeguard the crash scene and to further the investigation. The Maryland State Highway Administration assisted with re-routing southbound traffic via the northbound lanes of MD Rt. 2-4 until the roadway was reopened at 7:10 P.M.
No charges are anticipated at this time. This crash investigation is on-going and is being conducted by TFC B. Stein and Trooper R. Lewis.
