The annual Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department carnival is coming to town July 6 through 14 on the fire station grounds located at 161 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park.

This yearly event draws thousands of people and results in increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic on Earleigh Heights Road, Magothy Bridge Road and Ritchie Highway.

As a result, the Anne Arundel County Police Eastern District advises extreme caution by carnival-goers and motorists traveling through the area on Ritchie Highway.

In the past, there have been traffic accidents involving pedestrians, including two teenagers, Sean Snyder, of Severna Park and Kara Micciche, of Pasadena, who were struck crossing Ritchie Highway during the 2011 carnival. Kara Micciche, 17, died as a result of her injuries.

According to a police community message, representatives from the county roads department, the State Highway Administration and the Eastern District police have teamed up to institute safety measures. 

Some of these measures include increased lighting at the intersection of Earleigh Heights Road and Ritchie Highway.

The remainder of the community message reads:

Everyone should remember this intersection now has a pedestrian crosswalk and its use is mandatory. Officers will be on scene strictly enforcing pedestrian laws to ensure no one crosses Ritchie Highway outside of this crosswalk. We ask for everyone’s assistance with this safety measure.

Attendees should also use caution while parking for this event. Certain parking restrictions will be in place but everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings when parking and exiting their vehicle; especially if you are parking along a roadway. Keep a close eye on your children and avoid walking along the travel portion of the roadway.

Sign boards and digital speed trailers will be placed on Ritchie Highway alerting motorist to the event and pedestrian crossing ahead. This measure will be in place so motorist can see their speed and remember to slow down prior to approaching the Earleigh Heights Rd intersection. In addition, police officers will be out strictly enforcing the speed limit along Ritchie Highway. We hope everyone will slow down but those who choose not to will be greeted by a police office as they enter the area.

Again, our goal is to provide a safe environment both inside and outside the carnival. This can only be accomplished if those attending adhere to pedestrian rules and motorist slowing down while in the area of the carnival. Please help us by following these rules and sharing this safety message with your family and friends."

Click here to view this message on the web.

See also:

Pasadena Teen Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle on Ritchie Highway

Surviving Teen is Stable, Traffic Warning Signs Added to Ritchie Highway

Hundreds Attend Funeral For Pasadena Teen

Obituary