A Crosswalk For Kara?

Recent Tragedy Prompts Community Action

By Ellen Kinsella

Kara Micciche, a Broadneck High School student, had just turned 17 when her life was cut short in a heartbreaking accident. Her last act on Earth was to be an organ donor - an action that saved seven others. Now her family and friends are banding together to try to save others once again. They are campaigning to get a crosswalk put in at Ritchie Highway (Route 2) and Earleigh Heights Road, the intersection in which Kara lost her life. It is hoped that a crosswalk would prevent accidents like this in the future.

Last month, Kara and her boyfriend, Severna Park High School grad Sean Snyder, were heading to a carnival - crossing Ritchie Highway near Earleigh Heights Road - when a vehicle struck them. Kara succumbed to her injuries, but Sean survived. Some news reports stated they did not cross at the crosswalk, when actually; there is no crosswalk at the busy intersection.

Patty Mohr, Kara’s aunt, is spearheading the effort to get the crosswalk. Illustrating the necessity she stated, “We’ve lived here all our lives, and the Carnival has been there for ages, but the community has really expanded, and it has outgrown that location for the Carnival.”

Mohr pointed out there are many other events at that location that attract crowds, such as boat shows, flea markets, auctions, and Christmas tree sales. During these events, cars are parked up and down Ritchie Highway and Magothy Bridge Road, neither of which is appropriate for parking or pedestrian traffic due to the volume of cars. Mohr pointed out, “Traffic is going 50 miles per hour on Ritchie.”

Mohr’s goal is to get a crosswalk installed as soon as possible with a lighted “countdown” signal on both sides of Ritchie. Petitions titled “Crosswalk for Kara” are being signed, and already over 700 signatures have been collected supporting the crosswalk. Petitions can be found at Crav’n Ravens, The Ice Shack, and Royal Farms in Pasadena. To get a petition electronically, email Mohr at pattymohr@yahoo.com, but since an original signature is required, it must be mailed back to: Crosswalk for Kara c/o Patty Mohr, 1423 Woodland Beach Road, Pasadena, MD 21122.

“Our goal is not to point fingers, but to get a crosswalk put in so no one else gets hurt,” concluded Mohr, “We’ve lost a big part of our family, and we want to make sure no other family has to go through what we went through.”

Maryland State Highway Administration Spokesman Charlie Gishler responded, “Our hearts go out to the family; it was a terrible tragedy.” Gishler explained the agency is evaluating volume data and doing field research. “We’ve been in contact with Simonaire’s and Leopold’s offices, also, and we should have an answer by September,” he added.

Kimberly Tran, Assistant District Engineer for Traffic at MSHA, stated, “This was such a tragedy and we’re going to do everything we can from an engineering standpoint.” Depending upon the method used, the price tag could range anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000, but Tran explained, “Cost is not a factor, but will factor into what method we use.” Tran pointed out “Engineers look not only at the physics of the situation, but also at human dynamics; they do real-time data.”

There is currently a sidewalk project underway to connect existing bus stops to the intersection to improve access. Landing pads are being put in at the bus stops, and should be completed by next spring.

To communicate concerns for State Highway Administration-related issues, visit www.roads.maryland.gov, find the “contact us” link, and you will see an online submission form.

To donate to Kara Micciche’s memorial fund, you may go to any PNC Bank and make a donation in her name. Any excess funding will be donated to a charity that Kara liked.

There will be a fundraiser for the Kara Micciche Memorial Fund October 2, from 1:00-5:00pm at Kurtz's Beach, 2070 Kurtz Avenue, in Pasadena.  Tickets include Pit beef, pit ham, marinated chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, corn, country beans, assorted salads, rolls/bread, watermelon, and dessert.  Beverages include beer, soda, iced tea, coffee, and a cash bar.

There will also be a DJ, moonbounce, silent auction, door prizes, and wheels.  Tickets are $40 for adults and $18 for kids 6-10.  Kids under 6 are free with a paying adult.

For tickets email Patty Mohr at Fmohrjr@yahoo.com, or call 410-991-7243.  Tickets can also be purchased at Xsalonce on Fort Smallwood Road, Crav'n Ravens on Fort Smallwood Road, or Hair Cuttery in Lake Shore Plaza (ask for Donna).