BALTIMORE, Baltimore County, Md., Sept. 29, 2026 — A roadside assistance worker died on Monday morning, September 28, after his own service truck rolled back and struck him in Baltimore. The crash happened in the 900 block of South Kresson Street.
The Baltimore Police Department said officers were called to the scene around 1:19 p.m. to investigate a report of a fatal crash. A preliminary investigation found that the 71-year-old operator was performing roadside service outside his truck when the vehicle reportedly shifted into neutral and began rolling backward, striking him.
Medical personnel responded and attempted life-saving measures at the scene. The man was pronounced dead there, according to the report.
The department's Traffic Investigation Unit is handling the open investigation. Anyone with information has been asked to call TIU investigators or submit an anonymous tip through Metro Crime Stoppers.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
What Actually Cuts Down Pedestrian Deaths on Roadsides and Shoulders
Speed is often the deciding factor in whether a pedestrian struck by a vehicle survives. A person hit at 20 mph has a much better chance of walking away than one hit at 40 mph, because the force delivered to the body climbs sharply as speed increases. That relationship is why cities have leaned so heavily on lowering speeds near work zones, curbsides, and shoulders where people stand outside vehicles.
Road design plays a role, too. Better lighting, clearer signage around stopped work vehicles, rumble strips, and physical separation, such as cones or barriers, give both the pedestrian and approaching drivers more warning and more space to react. Signal timing and lane markings that slow traffic near business districts or repair zones have also been shown to cut pedestrian injury rates.
Vehicle behavior matters on the mechanical side as well. Reports of trucks slipping out of gear or rolling point to a different kind of risk, one tied to parking brakes, wheel chocks, and gear checks rather than road layout. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023, a toll that reflects both how vehicles are driven and how they are parked or secured when stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most pedestrian accidents happen?
Many occur on urban streets and roadsides, often near intersections, parking areas, or vehicles stopped for service or repairs, where people on foot are close to moving or idling traffic.
Are pedestrian accidents more common at night?
Yes. Reduced visibility plays a large role, and a majority of pedestrian fatalities nationally occur after dark, according to federal crash data.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
Call 911 immediately, avoid moving unless in danger, and get a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some injuries are not obvious right away.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Laws vary by state, but pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk generally have the right of way once they have entered it, and drivers must yield.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Baltimore, MD
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 right away and wait for police and medical personnel to arrive. Even if someone feels fine afterward, a medical check is worth getting, since shock can mask pain or injury in the first hours.
It helps to get the names and contact information of any witnesses and to note details while they're fresh, since investigators may follow up later. In Baltimore, the police department's Traffic Investigation Unit handles these cases and can be reached directly by anyone with information to share.
