FREDERICK, Frederick County, MD, Sept. 22, 2026 — A pedestrian died Sunday night, September 20, after being struck by a vehicle on U.S. 40 near Blentlinger Road in Frederick, according to a city official.
Frederick Director of Government Relations Allen Etzler said the pedestrian was hit on U.S. 40 near Blentlinger Road. The victim's identity has not been released while the investigation continues, Etzler said.
The Frederick Police Department is investigating the crash. Etzler said the preliminary investigation found no indication of criminal conduct, and investigators do not suspect the driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol.
No further details about how the crash happened have been released. The city has not said whether the pedestrian was crossing the road, walking along it, or in another location at the time of the crash.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk Along Roads Like US-40?
Pedestrians struck at night carry a higher risk of dying than those hit during daylight, largely because drivers have less time to see and react. Roads like U.S. 40, which combine higher speeds with multiple lanes and limited lighting in some stretches, put pedestrians in particular danger after dark.
Older adults get hurt and killed in these crashes at higher rates than younger pedestrians, in part because falls and impacts cause more serious injury as the body ages. People using wheelchairs or walking with mobility aids also face added risk, since crossing distances and signal timing are often set for someone moving at a faster, unassisted pace.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. That figure has climbed in recent years even as other categories of crash deaths have leveled off, and it reflects how exposed people on foot remain compared to those inside a vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a vehicle's speed change a pedestrian's chances of survival?
Yes. Survival rates drop sharply as impact speed rises. A pedestrian struck at a lower speed is far more likely to survive than one hit by a vehicle traveling at highway speeds.
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
Most occur on roads outside of intersections, often on multi-lane roads with higher posted speeds and fewer marked crosswalks, similar to the setting of many U.S. highway routes.
Are pedestrian crashes more common at night?
Yes. A majority of pedestrian deaths occur after dark, when drivers have reduced visibility and less time to react.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a vehicle?
Call 911 immediately if possible, avoid moving unless in danger, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some injuries are not immediately obvious.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Frederick, Maryland
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 right away and wait for police and medical responders to arrive. Even if a pedestrian appears uninjured, a medical evaluation is important, since injuries like internal bleeding or concussions can take time to show symptoms.
Witnesses should stay at the scene if it's safe to do so and share what they saw with responding officers, since eyewitness accounts often matter to an investigation. Anyone with information about a crash under investigation is typically encouraged to contact the police department handling the case directly.
