CASCO, Maine — An intersection in Casco where a motorcyclist died in a crash on Wednesday night has a history of serious crashes, according to data from the Maine Department of Transportation.
52-year-old Robert Hollingshead, of Poland, died Wednesday at the intersection of Routes 11 and 121 (known as Poland Spring Road and Meadow Road, respectively) after he was hit by a man driving a pickup truck.
The Maine DOT considers it a "high crash" location.
Crash data from the Maine DOT shows that since 2015, 19 crashes occurred at that intersection, with 10 that resulted in injuries. That data listed zero fatalities.
"When that intersection is called in as having a crash involved, unfortunately, the first thing that comes to mind is it's going to result in a serious [personal injury] crash," said Capt. Scott Stewart with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.
He said the speeds on Route 11 combined with that intersection has turned into a problem over the years.
Since 2018 at that same intersection, there were nine crashes, with four resulting in injuries.
A Maine State trooper was hit in the same location in 2017.
"What I think is going to make a difference is if we have this hands-free law, if it takes place, I will be very interested to see statistics as a result. I think we will see a sharp decrease in crashes totally," said Capt. Stewart.