Brandywine, MD (March 10, 2026) – Two people died on Monday night, March 9, after their Nissan collided with a Freightliner semi-truck on southbound U.S. 301 near Brandywine Road in Prince George’s County.
The crash occurred just before midnight when both vehicles were traveling southbound. Maryland State Police reported that, for reasons still under investigation, the Nissan struck the rear of the semi-truck.
The driver of the Nissan, 39-year-old Douglas Orlando Smith, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger, whose identity has not yet been released, also died at the scene. The semi driver was not injured.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims.
Why Rear-End Collisions with Tractor-Trailers Are Often Fatal
Crashes where passenger vehicles strike the rear of a semi-truck are particularly dangerous because of the truck’s size and weight. Passenger cars absorb most of the impact, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities.
Rear-end collisions are often worsened when drivers cannot stop in time due to speed, distraction, or road conditions. Even at moderate speeds, a collision with the rear of a tractor-trailer can be deadly.
Wearing seat belts and maintaining a safe following distance are critical safety measures, but collisions with large commercial vehicles remain a high-risk scenario for drivers and passengers.
