Woman struck by vehicle on U.S. 40

August 16, 2003|by GREGORY T. SIMMONS

A woman was seriously injured when she was struck by a vehicle while walking along the 16000 block of National Pike about five miles west of Hagerstown, police and emergency officials said Friday night.

Williamsport fire and rescue workers were dispatched at 9:31 p.m. Friday to the stretch of road in front of several homes and a bar. An ambulance crew took the woman to Washington County Hospital as a Priority 1 patient, the designation for the most serious injuries.

Maryland State Police had not released woman's identity by press time, and police said her condition was not known.

Trooper 1st Class Todd Weaver said there apparently was an argument between the woman and her husband inside the Forty West Saloon. Weaver said witnesses inside the bar said the woman stormed out and started walking east along the road and stepped in front of an eastbound Hyundai sport-utility vehicle.

Police did not identify the driver.

Residents who had come out of their homes after the accident Friday night said the stretch of road is perilous.

"They have to do something about the speed limit," said Carolyn Hawthorne, 53, who along with her husband, David Hawthorne, lives next to the Forty West Saloon.

The speed limit is 50 mph in the area.

David Hawthorn said he had complained to county officials about the speed limit.

"I can't hardly get the mail without getting hit," Carolyn Hawthorne said. "Nothing seems like it's being done."

Barbara Beckner, 45, who lives two doors down from the Hawthornes, also said the road is unsafe.

"This stretch of road has been known for all kinds of terrible accidents," she said. "I don't let my kids walk on it."

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