College Park, MD (May 1, 2026) – A fatal crash early on Thursday morning claimed the life of a 61-year-old woman in College Park. The collision occurred around 4:00 a.m. on the northbound U.S. Route 301 at Village Drive.
Emergency units responded to the scene after reports of a two-vehicle crash involving a Chevrolet Silverado and a Mazda 3. Investigators said the Silverado was traveling northbound on Route 301 when the Mazda 3 entered the intersection and moved into the path of the oncoming vehicle.
The driver of the Mazda 3, identified as 61-year-old Brenda Godbolt of Upper Marlboro, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, a 30-year-old man from Glen Burnie identified as Ronald Spangler Jr., declined medical treatment at the scene.
Multiple lanes were closed for about five hours while crews worked to investigate and clear the roadway. Traffic detours were in place during the closure.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
How Intersection Timing Errors Can Lead to Fatal Highway Crashes
Crashes at signal-controlled intersections often occur when one vehicle enters while another is already approaching at speed. These incidents can have severe consequences due to the force involved at highway speeds.
Left turns or crossing movements at intersections require accurate judgment of distance and timing. Even a small miscalculation can place a vehicle directly in the path of oncoming traffic.
Early morning conditions may also reduce visibility or affect driver alertness. Reduced traffic flow can sometimes lead to higher speeds, increasing the severity of collisions when they occur.
Investigators typically examine signal timing, vehicle position, and roadway markings to understand how the sequence of events unfolded.
