Today, May 26, Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan is reminding motorcyclists to use caution and make traffic safety a priority after troopers investigated four of at least six fatal motorcycle crashes during the holiday weekend.  

Maryland state troopers responded to four fatal motorcycle crashes, three of which involved drivers whose speed and failure to negotiate curves contributed to their deaths.  Two of the fatalities occurred in Baltimore County, one was in Cecil County and one person died in Talbot County.  Additionally, sheriff’s deputies in Worcester and Dorchester counties each handled a motorcycle fatality. 

“It is vital for motorcyclists to be fully aware of the increased risks they face and take appropriate precautions,” Colonel Sheridan said.  “A lack of training, experience, caution, or concern can have devastating results.”

On Saturday morning, troopers from the Golden Ring Barracks responded to the ramp from York Road to southbound I-83 and found a motorcyclist deceased from a crash that occurred when he apparently failed to negotiate the ramp.  He was identified as Herman B. Thomas Jr., 47 of Freeland.  

On Sunday, shortly after 11:30 a.m., troopers in Talbot County responded to Rt. 33 at Thanksgiving Road, where Damon H. Carroll, 57 of Easton, was killed when a deer leapt from the roadway shoulder into the path of the motorcycle Carroll and his wife were on.  His wife was flown to Shock Trauma, but is expected to survive.

Three hours later, troopers from the North East Barracks were on another motorcycle crash scene at Rt. 222 and Rt. 1 in Cecil County.  Troopers determined Johnnie H. Olsen, 62 of Parkville, was attempting to make a left turn from Rt. 222 onto Rt. 1 at the Conowingo Dam, when he failed to negotiate the turn and collided with a concrete barrier.  Olsen was ejected over the barrier and fell into the Susquehanna River. 

Shortly before 9:30 p.m. Sunday, troopers responded to the inner loop of I-695 at the ramp to northbound I-795 for another motorcycle fatality.  The preliminary investigation indicates Curtis J. Catt, 51 of Baltimore, drove his motorcycle across the ramp and onto the left shoulder, where he struck the rear of a disabled vehicle parked on the shoulder.  Catt was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Maryland State Police and the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration remain committed to motorcycle safety and reducing motorcycle fatalities through education to cyclists, as well as to motorists who share the road with motorcyclists.  For motorcycle safety tips, visit Maryland’s highway safety campaign website at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.