Fairfield, ME — January 3, 2025, Mark Michaud was killed in a truck accident at about 3:30 a.m. on an Interstate 95 off-ramp.

Authorities said a pedestrian was trying to walk across the southbound off-ramp near exit 132 when he was hit by a semi-truck.

Mark Michaud, 49, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.

The truck driver, a 19-year-old man, was not injured.

Authorities have not released any more information about the crash.

The accident remains under investigation.

Commentary

When I read about a crash involving a pedestrian and a semi-truck, the first question that comes to mind is why a pedestrian was on or near the off-ramp in the first place. Highways and their associated ramps are not designed for pedestrian use, and their presence there raises questions about how the situation unfolded.

One critical aspect to investigate is the visibility conditions at the time of the crash. At 3:30 a.m., lighting is likely to have been limited. Was the off-ramp adequately lit, and was the pedestrian wearing clothing or carrying items that made him visible to drivers? If the truck driver could not see the pedestrian in time to react, it would significantly affect how the crash is analyzed.

Another factor is the speed of the semi-truck. While trucks exiting the interstate are typically reducing speed, they still take longer to stop than smaller vehicles. Investigators should review whether the truck driver was operating at a safe speed for the ramp and whether he was alert and attentive at the time of the collision.

It’s also important to consider why the pedestrian was crossing the off-ramp. Was he attempting to reach a stalled vehicle or another destination? Understanding his intent could shed light on how and why he entered such a hazardous area.

Finally, the design and layout of the off-ramp itself warrant examination. Were there features like fencing, barriers or signage intended to deter pedestrians from accessing the ramp? If such safety measures were lacking, it may raise questions about the infrastructure’s role in preventing pedestrian access to areas meant solely for vehicles.

Crashes like this highlight the inherent dangers of pedestrian activity in areas designed exclusively for motor vehicles. Determining accountability will require a detailed review of visibility, speed, infrastructure and the circumstances that led the pedestrian to cross the off-ramp. By thoroughly investigating these factors, lessons can be learned to improve safety and reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.