Howard County police identified the victim of a fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred at about 9:40 p.m. Thursday on Route 1 near Troy Hill Drive.
David Allen Overmiller, 58, of Jessup, was riding his bike southbound on Route 1 when a southbound vehicle struck him, said Officer Jennifer Reidy of the Howard County Police Department.
Overmiller was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he died early Friday morning.
“Going back to the beginning of 2004, there has only been one other hit-and-run collision where a pedestrian was killed, which was in March of 2005,” said Reidy, adding no serious or fatal collisions involving pedestrians on this stretch of road have been reported in recent years.
“Biking at night is a little more dangerous, so wear clothes that are highly visible and reflective and make sure your bike has lights on both its front and rear,” said Eric Gilliland, director of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.
Between 1998 and 2002, Maryland spent less than 1 percent of its federal safety funds on bike and pedestrian safety, despite bikes and pedestrians making up 16.8 percent of traffic deaths, he said.
Police have little information regarding this incident and are urging anyone who may have seen the collision or may have information on the suspect vehicle or driver to call 410-313-3700. They are also offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the identification of the suspect in the case.
Safety tips
» Equip your bike and yourself properly with mirrors, a headlight and blinking rear light, reflective gear and a helmet.
» Follow the rules of the road.
» Always ride defensively, never assume a driver can see you.
Source: Howard County police
