LA PLATA, MD — A 14-year-old juvenile is in critical condition following a collision between a dirt bike and a car at the intersection of Charles Street and Washington Avenue. The incident occurred at 9:07 p.m. when patrol officers from the La Plata Police Department (LPPD) were dispatched to the scene.
According to preliminary investigations, the collision happened as a Chevy Malibu attempted a left turn from Washington Avenue onto Charles Street. The dirt bike, operated by the juvenile, failed to stop at a red traffic signal and collided with the car. The young operator, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown from the bike upon impact.
Emergency services responded promptly, with Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 2 airlifting the injured juvenile to a nearby trauma center. As of the latest update, the juvenile remains in critical condition.
The LPPD’s Collision Reconstruction Unit arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to take over the investigation. Authorities are working to piece together the exact sequence of events that led to the collision.
The incident has raised concerns about road safety and the importance of helmet use, especially among young motorcyclists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41% for motorcycle passengers.
Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved in the accident. The driver of the Chevy Malibu remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. No charges have been filed at this time.
As the investigation continues, LPPD is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses can contact the LPPD’s Collision Reconstruction Unit directly to provide any additional details that may aid in the investigation.
This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to traffic signals and wearing appropriate safety gear while operating motorcycles and other vehicles. The LPPD continues to emphasize road safety education as a key component in preventing similar accidents in the future.
For updates on the juvenile’s condition and further developments in the investigation, the LPPD advises the public to follow their official communication channels.