Pedestrian Struck on Coastal Highway

OCEAN CITY- A pedestrian was struck and severely injured last weekend while attempting to cross Coastal Highway, serving as a reminder that despite the change in seasons, the observance of safety rules on the often dangerous roadway are as relevant as ever.

Around 8 a.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police responded to the area of 122nd Street and Coastal Highway for a reported vehicle collision with a pedestrian. The investigation revealed the pedestrian, an unidentified 63-year-old male, was attempting to cross Coastal Highway outside a marked crosswalk. The driver of a vehicle making a U-turn from the southbound inside lane to the northbound lanes at 120th Street failed to see the victim crossing the highway and struck him in the area of 122nd Street.

The victim was taken by Maryland State Police helicopter to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury where he was treated for life-threatening injuries. As of late Wednesday, the victim was still being treated at PRMC and his condition status had not changed, according to OCPD officials. Meanwhile, the driver was also treated for an unrelated medical condition and was taken to a local hospital. Police are investigating the collision and charges are pending although nothing had been filed as of mid-week.

Ocean City Police are reminding both pedestrians and drivers, even though the busy summer season is over, the resort’s roadways remain busy. Pedestrians should continue to exercise caution when crossing roadways and always use marked crosswalks with crossing signals when possible. Drivers should also continue to be vigilant for pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds and scooters throughout the off-season.