On Friday, March 15, there was another tragic accident at the four-way intersection of Walston Switch Road and Mt. Hermon Road in Salisbury.  I was fueling up at B and J Market when I witnessed the accident.  I ran across the street and the driver was in shock, but exited the Dodge minivan. There was a gentleman in the back seat who was severely injured and is now in critical condition.  There was a young woman about 30 years old in the front passenger seat.  She was unconscious, and her neck was hanging to the side.  I supported her neck until EMS arrived.  Her face was severely cut, had erratic breathing, and she was pinned between the door and the armrest.  There are many more details, but the short version is that she passed in my arms.  The state of the driver of the other vehicle is unknown. The cherished individuals involved in this accident are not named out of privacy and respect, and our prayers go out to them and their families.

Accidents such as these happen each day.  Some can be avoided, some cannot be. This is one of those accidents that could have been avoided if the intersection was equipped with an adequate traffic control light. Wicomico County Councilman Joe Holloway has put in countless efforts to lower the speed limits and to get a light with no success due to the powers that be.  In my 18 years living in the adjacent neighborhood (Kilbirnie Estates), I have seen dozens and dozens of accidents at this intersection each year, where many have been fatal.  Just look up the statistics and ask the staff at B and J market, the Wicomico County Sheriff's Dept, the Parsonsburg Fire Dept, and nearby citizens of the frequency of accidents that occur at this intersection.  In addition, visibility is poor and obstructed at this intersection.

There is a 3-part solution to this:

1.       Reduce speed signs to 25 MPH 200 feet before approaching the intersection.

2.       A 4-way traffic light or roundabout.

3.      Trimming/removal of bushes and trees at corners, which obstruct visibility.

The purpose of this petition is to formally demand a four-way traffic control light or roundabout as well as speed reduction signs from the Maryland State Highway Administration (MDOT) for this intersection, for which they are responsible.  The urgency is great, and must be addressed immediately.  Anything short of this appropriate action would be negligence by the State of Maryland.  We have an obligation to protect our citizens at all costs. The cost of the traffic controls may be expensive, but well worth the cost of a life.  Fulfillment of this request would save many.

Don't let those who have been injured or lost their lives be in vain.  Please sign this petition to show your support for the 3-part traffic solution at the intersection of Walston Switch Road and Mt. Hermon Road.

Obstructed view from Walston Switch Northbound

Video loop of truck approaching the intersection

WMDT 47 "Extremely Dangerous Intersection"

WBOC "Neighbors Push for Change at Salisbury Intersection"

WBOC "Intersection Accident Prompts Safety Improvement"

WBOC "Speed Limit Reduction Takes Effect"