MYERSVILLE, MD — A 33-year-old man was killed early on the morning of June 17 after he exited his vehicle to inspect damage following a deer strike on Interstate 70. Jordan Scott was standing near the westbound lanes just before the Route 17-Myersville exit in Frederick County when he was struck by a passing tractor-trailer around 3 a.m.

This incident underscores the extreme vulnerability of anyone standing on the shoulder or in an active lane during low-visibility hours. While the three passengers inside Scott’s vehicle emerged without injury, the collision resulted in a significant shutdown of the interstate as authorities processed the scene. The operator of the tractor-trailer involved was physically unharmed, though such events often carry lasting professional and personal consequences for those behind the wheel of commercial equipment.

State police confirmed the crash occurred shortly after the initial impact with the animal. The investigation into the circumstances of the secondary strike highlights the hazards inherent in nighttime roadside stops. With traffic volumes increasing and temperatures rising, the margin for error on high-speed corridors like I-70 remains razor-thin for every CDL-A driver sharing the road.

What This Means for Drivers

Professional operators must prioritize safety by staying inside the cab whenever a breakdown or accident occurs on a busy interstate. If a vehicle is disabled, the safest course of action is to remain buckled in the seat until law enforcement or highway assistance arrives. Many trucking companies hiring today emphasize these defensive protocols to prevent avoidable roadside fatalities during night shifts.

Industry Reaction

The trucking industry maintains a rigorous focus on roadside safety, as even a minor distraction or a momentary lapse in position can lead to catastrophic outcomes for both motorists and commercial operators. Organizations continue to advocate for strict adherence to FMCSA regulations regarding emergency stops and incident management to protect the lives of those working on the highway. Maintaining situational awareness remains the most effective tool for an OTR truck driver navigating high-traffic corridors after dark.

Key Points

• The incident occurred on June 17 at approximately 3 a.m. on westbound I-70 near Myersville, Maryland.
• Jordan Scott, 33, was killed after exiting his vehicle to check for deer damage.
• The commercial driver involved in the secondary collision was not injured during the event.
• Three passengers remaining inside the initial vehicle were unharmed by the tractor-trailer impact.

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