Scooter Driver Dies After Crash in Dundalk
The 47-year-old scooter operator died at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center on Sunday.
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A 47-year-old man died after his scooter and a car crashed in Dundalk Sunday.
Around 12:10 p.m. Baltimore County police and fire personnel arrived at the scene of a crash at the intersection of Trappe and Church roads, according to a release from the Baltimore County Police Department.
Investigators believe a Pontiac Vibe was turning left onto Church Road from westbound Trappe Road at the same time a scooter was driving eastbound on Trappe Road, the release states.
The car and the scooter collided and the 47-year-old scooter driver was taken to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for treatment. He later died of his injuries, according to the release.
Police have not released the name of the man pending notification of his family.
Al Day
7:14 pm on Sunday, October 21, 2012
Wow, pretty senseless stuff. That is why it is illegal to drive scooters on roads used by cars and trucks. I see scooters and 4 wheelers use the road near my house from time to time and wonder where their common sense has gone. I really feel bad for the family left behind. And I hope they heal through this awful event. And I hope others who do similar stuff will learn from this. Drivers just can't see these smaller riders until it's too late. Gosh!!
Donna Spokus
7:39 pm on Sunday, October 21, 2012
He is allowed to ride on the road. Its up to drivers to be aware of what else is driving on the road not the other way around. Seems to me he was going the right way not the driver of the car, sad for all involved, you need to watch out for all riders not just cars
Danny Brooks
7:59 pm on Sunday, October 21, 2012
There seems to be some confusion as to what the laws are in regards to Scooters/Mopeds etc... do they have to have insurance? Are the operators required to wear helmets? Do they have to have a tail light and headlight? Maybe someone from The Patch can give us all a run down of the laws as they relate to these vehicles and the operators.
Evets
8:18 pm on Sunday, October 21, 2012
On October 1, 2012, new Maryland vehicle laws will take effect that require all motor scooters and mopeds to be titled and insured, while all operators and passengers must wear a helmet and eye protection. All motor scooters must display a title decal on the rear of the vehicle. These new requirements are in addition to the existing law that requires all motor scooter and moped operators to possess a valid driver's license or a moped operator's permit.
There is also this: http://www.mva.maryland.gov/Driver-Safety/Bicycle/default.htm
And this:
“Motor Scooter” means a non-pedal vehicle that:
Has a seat for the operator;
Has 2 wheels, of which one is 10 inches or more in diameter;
Has a step through chassis;
Has a motor: (i) With a rating of 2.7 brake horsepower or less; or (ii) If the motor is an internal combustion engine, with a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less; and
Is equipped with an automatic transmission. “Motor Scooter” does not include a vehicle that has been manufactured for off road use, including a motorcycle and all terrain vehicles.
Renee
10:26 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
I saw this accident happen. It's so sad because it could have been avoided. The women driving the Pontiac was not only speeding, but also on her cell phone. But there was also a black truck double parked on the side that the man on the scooter was driving, so he made a wide turn to get around it, and that's when he was hit. Terrible thing is, as soon as the accident happened the black truck sped off before we could get his tag number, and the police involved with the case said that the driver may also be at fault for this. I feel so terrible for him and his family, who may or may not even know his condition yet. If anyone has any info on the driver of the black truck, please contact the police. If he is also at fault, he should also be punished.
Renee
10:30 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
Also, later that night, I watched another car almost wreck in the exact same spot. He almost flipped his car and would have rolled into the houses on the corner. This intersection is extremely dangerous and SOMEONE needs to do SOMETHING about it. My son is never playing out front again.
REDDs
10:57 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
RIP Dale. You were a great friend.
Jay Addis
11:48 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
It is NOT illegal to drive scooters on the road. They cannot be driven on belways and interstates. As of October 1, all scotter riders must wear helmets and register their scooters with the MVA. As a motorcycle rider, I can not understand why it took so long for this law!
Al Day
1:50 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
Scooters have no place on the same roads as cars and semi-trucks. This senseless smash is an example why. Common sense would dictate said same if you'all had any. Furthermore the reason for so many motorcycle accidents is failure to even see those. That includes such large cycles as Harleys and choppers. Now, with that said I wanted to repeat my sorrow for this family. What a loss. I know some will disagree with me. That is obvious from the comments. It is also legal to jump off a cliff but only lack of common sense related to personal safety would allow one to do so. This accident in particular shows why all laws which legalize scooters, mopeds, 4 wheelers on the same roadways as cars and trucks is a fools circus.
Evets
2:01 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
The fools are usually the ones behind the wheel of a 2 ton, 4-wheeled machine while talking on a cell phone and driving well over the posted speed limit...
Bebinn
5:36 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
not much difference between a scooter and a motorcycle. sometimes something that looks like a scooter is actually classified as a motorcycle (all scooters over 50cc). if you see a scooter with regular maryland tags, it is actually a motorcycle.
Evets
6:16 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
Actually, 70cc is now the standard for determining a scooter from a motorcycle.
Ann Zlotkowski
9:00 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
Al Day just loves to get things fired up ..... I'm one that has never agreed with a thing he's said.
Mars
11:00 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
Do you guys realize that this was a real person? It doesn't matter whose fault it was or who was driving what. All that matters is that he was a great guy and he didn't deserve this... My heart breaks when i see how heartless people can be...
Co-worker
tisha
7:08 am on Wednesday, October 24, 2012
No they don't realize!! People r crazy!! Stop with the law on here keep it to urself!! wake up! We lost a great friend! Have some respect!!