Hancock Death Starts the Year Off on a Sad Note
January 9, 2019 – (HANCOCK, MAINE) Maine’s first pedestrian death occurred a mere nine days into the new year, (according to information provided by the Maine State Police,) when a man in his late 60s was struck and killed on a roadway in Hancock in the early evening on Jan. 9, 2019. No further details are available at this time.
Pedestrian deaths have varied widely in Maine in recent years. According to statistics provided by the MaineDOT, 16 pedestrians in 2016 and 18 pedestrians in 2017 were killed by motorists on Maine roads. In 2018, however, just four pedestrians died.
“We are saddened to hear of a fatality this early in the year, and hope that pedestrian and bicycle deaths nonetheless continue to trend downward in 2019, as they did in 2018,” said Bicycle Coalition of Maine Executive Director John Williams.
As the state’s leading group promoting bicycling and walking safety, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine routinely monitors crash reports for incidents that involve bicyclists and pedestrians. The Coalition advocates for improved transportation infrastructure and policies to make Maine better for biking and walking.
The Hancock fatality highlights the need for all motorists to stay alert and aware, obey speed limits, and never drive distracted or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. In addition, pedestrians and cyclists should consider taking measures to increase their visibility, especially when walking or biking after dark, and to follow best practices and roadway law.