MILLERSVILLE, Anne Arundel County, Md., Oct. 9, 2026 — A highway worker was injured early on Wednesday, October 7, when a chain-reaction crash pushed a car into an active construction zone on northbound Interstate 97 near Route 32. Maryland State Police are investigating whether impairment played a role.
The collision happened around 12:45 a.m. in a stretch of highway where lanes were closed for roadwork, according to a preliminary investigation by Maryland State Police. A Toyota Camry had slowed for the lane closure when a Mercedes struck it from behind. The Mercedes then veered into the work zone, hitting a highway worker and a portable light tower.
The injured worker, a 31-year-old man, was taken by ambulance to a trauma center for treatment. His name has not been released. No other injuries were reported at the scene, and a state trooper parked nearby with emergency lights on was not hurt.
Investigators have not determined what caused the crash. Police said impairment is suspected as a contributing factor, but have not said whether either driver may have been impaired. No charges have been filed as the investigation continues.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team is handling the case, which will eventually go to the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office. Troopers from the Glen Burnie and Annapolis barracks responded along with county emergency crews, and state highway officials kept lanes closed for roughly three hours while crews worked the scene.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
When Work Zone Crashes Are Most Likely to Happen
Work zone crashes cluster around certain hours more than people might expect. Overnight paving and lane-closure projects, like the one on I-97, often run between midnight and dawn specifically because traffic volume is lower, but that choice brings its own risks. Drivers are tired, headlights and temporary signage can be harder to judge in the dark, and workers are harder to see against the glare of passing traffic.
Weeknight shifts carry a different mix of drivers than weekend ones. Late-night commercial traffic, shift workers heading home, and occasionally impaired drivers share the road with fewer witnesses and slower emergency response times than during the day. A rear-end collision that might cause only property damage in daylight can push a vehicle sideways into a closed lane or work area when a barrier, cone line, or light tower is the only thing separating traffic from pedestrians.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023, a number that includes workers and other people on foot struck in and around roadways. Fatigue, reduced visibility, and the physics of highway speeds all contribute to why nighttime work zones remain a persistent concern for transportation agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pedestrians, including roadway workers, more likely to be struck at night?
Yes. Reduced visibility, driver fatigue, and higher rates of impaired driving after dark all raise the risk for anyone on foot near traffic, including highway workers in active construction zones.
What should a pedestrian or worker do immediately after being struck by a vehicle?
Call 911 right away, avoid moving if there's any possibility of a back, neck, or head injury, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, aren't obvious right away.
Who has the right of way in a marked work zone or crosswalk?
Workers and pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked work zones and crosswalks, but drivers must obey posted signage, reduced speed limits, and lane closures regardless of markings.
What can drivers do to avoid hitting someone in a work zone?
Slowing down early, leaving extra following distance, and staying alert for reduced lane widths and workers near the roadway all help drivers react in time when traffic patterns shift suddenly.
What to Do After a Work Zone Pedestrian Accident in Millersville, Maryland
Anyone involved in or witnessing a work zone crash should call 911 immediately and stay as far from moving traffic as safely possible while waiting for help. If you're a worker or bystander who was struck, get checked out at a hospital even if you feel okay. Adrenaline can mask pain from fractures, soft tissue damage, or head injuries.
It's also worth documenting what you can, such as photos of the scene, vehicles, and lane markings, since this information may be important later for insurance or investigative purposes. If you're a driver approaching a work zone, give yourself extra time and distance, especially at night when reaction windows shrink. For workers, wearing high-visibility gear and staying alert to approaching traffic remain basic but important safeguards.
