Fatal holiday crash on Indian Head Highway prompts county investigation

A multi-vehicle collision on Indian Head Highway on Dec. 25 left a 75-year-old woman fatally injured and several other motorists seriously hurt, Prince George's County police said. The crash occurred in the northbound lanes in the Accokeek area on Christmas Day; the woman, identified as Linda Howell of Indian Head, died the following day from her injuries, police announced Jan. 9.

Police described injuries to other drivers and passengers as serious but not life-threatening. Investigators have kept the case active and are asking anyone with information to contact county investigators or Crime Solvers as the inquiry continues.

The crash underscores safety concerns on MD-210, a key commuter corridor that carries traffic between southern Prince George's County and neighboring communities. Holiday travel can increase traffic density and the risk of multi-vehicle collisions on that stretch, which local residents rely on for daily commutes, school runs and access to regional services. For families of older residents, the incident also highlights questions about how the county addresses mobility and safety for aging drivers and their communities.

From a policy perspective, the collision raises several issues for county leaders. Crash investigations that result in a fatality often prompt reviews of roadway design, speed enforcement and signage, emergency response coordination and public education on safe driving during peak travel periods. County officials and transportation planners may face pressure from residents to evaluate MD-210 for targeted safety improvements, including lighting, lane configuration, or enforcement strategies that reduce the likelihood of secondary collisions.

Investigations of this type can take time as detectives reconstruct the sequence of events, interview witnesses and analyze vehicle and roadway evidence. Transparency about the investigation's progress and clear communication with the community can help rebuild public confidence and produce actionable recommendations for preventing similar tragedies. Community members who witnessed the crash or have dashcam or surveillance footage are particularly valuable to reconstruction efforts.

Our two cents? Check on relatives and neighbors, especially older drivers, when travel ramps up during holidays; give yourself extra time on MD-210 and report any tip you have about this crash to Prince George's County investigators or Crime Solvers so authorities can complete their work and the community can push for safer roads.