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Accident on Route 1 in Harford County tragically takes life, underscoring potential for road safety enhancements

Harford County experienced a tragic incident on Friday night as authorities are currently investigating the death of an individual who was attempting to cross Route 1, according to the Maryland State Police.

Accident on Route 1 in Harford County leads to calls for safety enhancements, following a fatal...
Accident on Route 1 in Harford County leads to calls for safety enhancements, following a fatal incident involving a pedestrian

Accident on Route 1 in Harford County tragically takes life, underscoring potential for road safety enhancements

Fatal Pedestrian Accident Highlights Safety Concerns on Route 1 in Harford County

A tragic incident occurred on Route 1 in Harford County, Maryland, on Friday night, claiming the life of a 39-year-old man named Luis Guzman Hernandez. According to the Maryland State Police, Hernandez was crossing the busy highway when he was hit by a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Emergency medical services personnel pronounced him dead on the scene.

The accident remains under investigation, with the Maryland State Police working diligently to gather all the necessary details. The driver of the Jeep remained at the scene, and no charges have been filed as of the current investigation.

Route 1, a major thoroughfare in Maryland, has been associated with multiple deadly car accidents over the years. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the safety concerns that persist on this busy road. In September 2024, a woman was killed in a hit-and-run accident while crossing the street, and in December 2023, another woman was tragically killed after being hit by two cars.

In an effort to address these concerns, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is responsible for improvements to Route 1 in Harford County, which are scheduled to be completed by 2026. These improvements include asphalt pavement milling, patching, and resurfacing, new reflective pavement markings and traffic signs, repairs to sidewalks, ramps, gutters, and curbs, upgrades to the traffic signal system equipment, and traffic barrier upgrades.

Simultaneously, Howard County started working on safety upgrades at two different intersections along Route 1 corridor in Elkridge in June. These safety upgrades are expected to be completed by 2026. Improvements from Moore's Mill Road to the US 1 Bypass on Route 1 in Harford County are also expected to be completed this year.

The closure of Route 1 during the investigation was assisted by the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration. As the investigation continues, the community hopes for a safer future on this busy road. The loss of lives on Route 1 serves as a call to action for the authorities to prioritise safety improvements and initiatives.

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