(PORTLAND, Maine) August 3, 2023 – Three pedestrians died in two separate incidents in Sanford and Saco on Wednesday afternoon within an hour of each other. A grandfather, Michael Gilbar, 65, and his 15 year old grandson, both from Vermont, were hit by a driver in an SUV on Old Falls Road in Sanford around 4:00 p.m. Not long after, Kimberly Lavin, 56, was struck and killed by a dump truck driver at the intersection of Main Street and Water Street in Saco around 4:45 p.m.
“We are deeply saddened by these two tragic incidents. We send our deepest condolences to the victim’s loved ones,” said Bicycle Coalition of Maine Executive Director Jean Sideris. “Three fatalities in one day is an appalling reminder of the dangers that plague Maine’s roads.”
Photos published with initial reports suggest the Saco crash may have occurred while Ms Lavin was in, or at least, near, a crosswalk. In Sanford, there is no sidewalk on that road.
The BCM urges law enforcement to carefully examine the roadway conditions, pedestrian facilities, history of crashes at these locations, driver and pedestrian behavior, phone use records, and any additional circumstances that may have been contributing factors.
Ten pedestrians have been killed by drivers in Maine this year, and MaineDOT reports another 102 have been hit and injured. One bicycle rider has been killed, and another 71 have been injured in crashes with motor vehicles.
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The Bicycle Coalition of Maine works to make Maine a better and safer place to bike and walk. Founded in 1992, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine has grown into the leading bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group in the state. The Coalition believes all Mainers should have access to bikes and bike education, and we envision a future where Maine’s roads, public ways, and trails are safe and accessible, resulting in cleaner travel options, improved health, and stronger economic benefits for Maine communities.