After 2 fatal Worcester County hit-and-runs, speed limit lowered on Gray's Corner Road
Action is being taken following two fatal hit-and-runs in Worcester County earlier this year.
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration announced it will reduce the speed limit on Route 707 (Gray’s Corner Road) from Route 589 (Race Track Road) to Riddle Lane in Berlin, from 50 mph to 40 mph, effective Friday.
New speed limit signs were recently installed to alert motorists of the upcoming change, said MDOT SHA.
“The safety of every customer on our roadway system is our priority,” MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith said in a Thursday news release. “MDOT SHA will continue to work with our stakeholders to identify conditions where roadway users will benefit from improved safety measures and then implement wise solutions.”
'Justice for Gavin'
This speed reduction comes after two fatal hit-and-runs occurred on Grays Corner Rd. earlier this year.
RELATED:Suspected vehicle found, suspect sought in hit-and-run that killed Pines teen: Police
MORE:14-year-old Ocean Pines boy killed in hit-and-run, police looking for suspect vehicle
Gavin Knupp, 14, of Ocean Pines was crossing the road to return to a passenger vehicle when he was struck and killed by a vehicle, which then fled the scene, Maryland State Police said. The crash happened at about 10:45 p.m. on July 11.
The suspected vehicle, a 2011 black Mercedes sedan, was later located by police at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday, July 17, at a residence in Worcester County. The vehicle was towed to the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack for processing.
In the meantime, friends and family of Knupp have taken to voicing their frustrations and have picketed for action. All across Worcester County, from restaurants to coffee shops to local schools such as Fruitland Primary School, signs read, "#DoItForGavin" and "Justice for Gavin."
A "celebration of life and a fallen surfer’s paddle out" took place in honor of Knupp on July 23 in Ocean City. The paddle out was put together by an Ocean City Surf Club Facebook Group.
The investigation surrounding Knupp's death is ongoing, and the search continues for the person operating the vehicle at the time of the incident. No arrests have been made as of yet.
Berlin woman dies in hit-and-run crash
Gray's Corner Road claimed yet another life, that of Terri Wattay, 59, of Berlin, after she was struck in a hit-and-run shortly before 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6. Wattay died Monday, Oct.10, at University of Maryland Hospital.
RELATED:Pedestrian struck by vehicle while walking dog in Worcester County: Police
Troopers from the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack found Wattay lying on the ground off the north side of the roadway. Police believe she was walking her dog at the time of the incident. The dog was not injured in the crash.
The driver involved in the crash was later identified as Russell Kimball, 62, of Berlin, who was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. Police located Kimball and the vehicle at his residence on Grays Corner Road. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation and consultation with the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Following the fatal hit-and-runs, the MDOT SHA has determined the speed limit should be lowered to enhance the safety of all pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Following 2 fatal hit-and-runs, speed limit reduced on Worcester road
