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Pedestrian-vehicle deaths in the county increased by nearly 100 percent in 2005, up from 18 in 2004 to 35 in 2005 — nearly as many as the entire Washington region combined, the report showed. The study said that Prince George’s had 134 traffic-related fatalities in 2005, up from 120 in 2004.
Arlington, Prince William and the District saw minor increases, led mainly by increases in motorcycle and pedestrian deaths. Sixteen of the District’s 48 traffic-related fatalities were pedestrians, up from nine in 2004 but down from a 10-year high of 18 in 2003, the study showed.
Montgomery County saw the largest decrease in traffic fatalities, down from 79 in 2004 to 44 in 2005, mainly because of dramatic decrease in alcohol-related traffic deaths. The county reported 14 alcohol-related fatalities in 2005, down from five-year high of 38 in 2004.
Fairfax County, the largest jurisdiction in the region with more than 1.1 million residents, saw 62 traffic-related fatalities in 2005, down from 64 in 2004 but up from 54 in 2001. Pedestrian deaths accounted for 10 of the total deaths, down from 16 in 2004. Motorcycle deaths in the county increased from one in 2004 to five in 2005.
Nationally, the total number of fatalities rose 1.4 percent from 42,836 in 2004 to 43,443 in 2005 while the rate of fatalities was 1.47 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, up from 1.45 in 2004, the study showed.
Acting U.S. Secretary of Transportation Maria Cino said the increase mainly stems from a spike in motorcycle and pedestrian deaths. Motorcycle fatalities rose 13 percent from 4,028 in 2004 to 4,553 in 2005 and of that almost half of the people who died were not wearing a helmet. The number of pedestrian fatalities increased to 4,881 in 2005 from 4,675 in 2004, she said.
Good trends the study showed were fewer young drivers died in car crashes in 2005 for the third straight year and the number of children killed in crashes also declined.
“We have no tolerance for any numbers higher than zero,” Cino said. “Motorcyclists need to wear their helmets, drivers need to buckle up and all motorists need to stay sober.”
mrupert@dcexaminer.com


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8:01 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 25, 2008 re: "Two drown at Prettyboy Reservoir"
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Interested Bistander said:
What happens if you only swim in the shallow part? do you still get in trouble?
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said:
I MISS YOU ADAM KLANK!!!!! A WHOLE LOT!
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Examiner Reader said:
I Miss You Ahmad, Friend, Mentor.
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Examiner Reader said:
Please confirm that this article is correct. A close source to the deceased says findings are that the motorcyclist is not the one who ran the light. An unlicensed ambulance driver was the one who ran the light. If you find these facts to be true please do a follow up article to retract the statement that the motorcyclist was the negligent driver. Thank you.
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Examiner Reader said:
There was no before, there will be no after, there is only the here and now so live well and prosper. And be careful. Peace! out.......................
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James said:
The woman stepped off of a curb into the roadway where she was struck by the car being driven by the 18 year-old. What was the driver of the car supposed to have done? Why would the driver be charged if the woman stepped in front of her vehicle? Get a grip.
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Examiner Reader said:
why wasnt the 18 year old woman who ran over the pedestrian charged? Bet she was a hot blond wearing a short summer skirt!!!
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Examiner Reader said:
Police work is respectable. we must remember however that police are human. that is to say, all police are not respectable. the profession, yes the person, maybe. abuse of authority is one the most awful perversions. this is a case of an officer being killed by another officer. accidental probably. police put their life in jeopardy everyday. sometimes warranted. like any other profession, you need to work smart, unlike other professions, your very life depends upon it. serve and protect. admirable goals. 24 years of age, a very short life. killed pursuing a suspect for reckless driving. yet killed by another reckless driver, his partner. does the means justify the end. you cannot value a life so the answer is no. no job, suspect or goal is worth anyone's life. it is tragic that anyone trying to save a life loses his own in a vain effort. a case of friendly fire. i can not stress enough, police are people too and they need to recognize that point. all men have flaws.
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Examiner Reader said:
so sad that's my teacher's brother!
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Examiner Reader said:
On Wednesday April 18, 2007 my wife and I witnessed an incident that reminded us about the true meaning of each day we are alive. As many of you now know, a six year old boy passed away soon after collapsing at Westminster’s Main Street Mile. Reading about this incident or hearing about it for the first time will affect everyone differently, but I can attest that when you actually witness a child’s death, its impact is far different than just reading it in the newspaper - something I never fully appreciated until April 18th. Reflecting on such dreadfully tragedy, I wanted to share some thoughts. First, as a parent, I believe that kids should become our life, and if they are not, you will someday come to regret it. Second, be there for your kids! And I mean truly BE THERE, because each passing moment may be the last time you have a chance to say ‘I Love you,’ words that should already be a part of your vocabulary. Third, at some point we all have felt guilty about how we have beh
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