A mom died and her son was seriously hurt when they were hit by a car at Twinbrook Parkway and Chapman Avenue in Rockville, Maryland Monday night just before 8:30 p.m.
This was the fifth pedestrian fatality in the DMV since the weekend. There have been 45 fatal pedestrian crashes in Maryland so far this year, according to state data, with nine of them in Montgomery County.
This crash happened at a busy intersection near the Twinbrook Metro station and a Guitar Center music store. There are a lot of walkers, cyclists and cars.
“They don’t even stop sometimes,” said one resident. “They just do a california roll and just go
That’s the sentiment News4 heard from many walkers who cross at the intersection. With four-way traffic, crosswalks and pedestrian signals, many said they have to stay extra vigilant even when they have the right of way.
“It’s kinda dangerous because the cars don’t respect pedestrians,” another resident said.
Markings in the road appeared to show where the victims were hit. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.
“It looks like a raceway,” said Carl Salswiddle. “People fly up and down through here.”
Salswiddle said he’s been complaining about the intersection for years but hasn’t gotten any results. He said he believes the speed limit needs to be lowered and no right turn on red signs installed to make it safer.
“We had a life lost here. We’ve had numerous close calls for years,” Salswiddle said. “Now it’s time for Rockville city to do something about this dangerous intersection.”
News4 heard the same from other frustrated residents.
“I witnessed many times that people get run over by a car, and we’ve been complaining to the city many times, write them letters and everything else, and no response,” a resident told News4.
Residents said they want improvements before another life is lost.
“I would recommend that the Department of Transportation pay more attention to the lack of signage around here,” another resident said. “Also traffic lights, also the speed is ridiculous.”
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