Sep 11, 2009 8:04 pm US/Eastern
Man Killed In Crash Lobbied For Route 32 Safety
HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) ―
-
-
Dr. Brian Emery was killed after an accident on Route 32 in Howard County.
CBS
For the third time in just the last three months, a horrific and deadly accident on one dangerous section of road rocks Howard County.
Mike Hellgren reports in a tragic twist of fate, the doctor killed in the crash fought for safety improvements on Route 32.
Dr. Brian Emery's Acura became a mangled mess on Route 32 just a half mile from his home.
Police say a driver of a van wasn't paying attention, slammed into Emery, 49, and pushed his car into a Dodge pick-up truck.
Many say there's a large and growing traffic volume on the narrow and poorly designed road. And when that's combined with speeding, they create a dangerous combination.
Neighbors feel the three most recent deaths won't be the last unless action is taken.
"It's becoming such a problem now that it's not even safe to leave or to come home," said Tracy German.
German is close friends with Emery. His son was in her home waiting for his dad. He didn't know exactly what happened. He said that his father may have been in an accident.
German says Emery was deeply involved in the fight to make Route 32 safer. Neighbors have long complained about the stretch between Route 99 and the Carroll County line.
"He was very serious about trying to get this fixed," said German. "For him to be the one that was killed is tragic."
"The last comment I had was, 'Well, Brian, I have to go to a meeting to talk about traffic safety along Route 32,'" said Jay Zumbrun.
Zumbrun is the president of Emery's homeowners' association. He watched concern turn into alarm after a mother and her son died along the same stretch of highway in June.
"I would just hope that they could cut through the red tape and get to the bottom line, saving lives," said Zumbrun.
The county executive stressed the need for a fix during a conversation with the governor Thursday night. He calls Route 32 a critical safety priority and cites a long history of safety concerns.
"We've done really a lot of enforcement there trying to get people to slow down. But it's not just about speed, it's also about configuration of the roadway," said Sherry Llewellyn, Howard County Police spokesperson.
Dr. Emery's friends and family vow he won't die in vain, and more blood won't be spilled on what they consider one of Maryland's most dangerous highways.
Solutions under discussion are adding turning lanes, stop lights and rumble strips to the area.
Emery had an ear, nose and throat practice in Prince George's County. His son had just started high school.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Shocking Celebrity Suicides
Link To "Make Route 32 Safe" Website
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments