Jordan Maddocks Killed in Truck Accident on I-70 in Frederick, MD
Frederick, MD — June 17, 2022, 33-year-old Jordan Maddocks was killed by a big rig following a crash with a deer on Interstate 70 in Frederick.
According to reports the incident happened around 3:00 a.m. along westbound I-70 near State Route 17. Preliminary investigation suggests Maddocks was driving west on the interstate when he hit a deer. He pulled over and got out of his vehicle to check on the damage; shortly afterward he was struck by an oncoming tractor-trailer.
Maddocks was fatally injured in the collision. The truck driver and three passengers in Maddocks' car were unhurt.
The investigation continues. No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Jordan Maddocks Accident on I-70 in Frederick
It seems from early reports like the victim hit a deer and then pulled over. The East Coast is certainly a ripe area for wildlife wrecks, and I don't doubt that's what happened. Where things get fuzzy for me is exactly how and why a big rig hit the victim on the shoulder.
I'm not accusing anyone of wrongdoing, but I can't be alone in thinking reports are far too vague about how this tragedy occurred. I'm not saying police should already have all the answers, but as things stand I can see several that still need to be found.
For instance, what was the lighting situation at the time? Is the area lit by streetlights at night? Were the car's lights on as the victim surveyed the damage from the deer? Did the truck have its headlights on as it approached? Moreover, was the truck driver paying careful attention to his surroundings? It happened at 3 a.m., so was he awake and alert at the time? How close to the fog line and shoulder was the big rig traveling? Could or should the driver have moved over to make more space between it and the car?
All those concerns and others still need addressing, but again--I'm not pointing fingers. All I'm saying here is that most accidents don't really tie up as neatly as news or police reports make them sound. To be sure the whole story is really discovered it's important to dig deeper, but if police are satisfied with what they put down they may not look again. To be sure the victim's family gets the answers and help they deserve, this crash may need another look by independent investigators.
