Crash Overview

Location Description

West Mallard Creek Church Road and its intersection with Claude Freeman Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina is fairly representative of development patterns within the surrounding suburban area. Multiple retail developments and commercial land usage populate this stretch of roadway. The city notes that the intersection is nearby a large employment center called University Research Park. These roads facilitate access to and from highways 85 and 485. Though the street networks are not laid out with a grid design more typical to urban areas, you'll still find apartment complexes and neighborhoods on either side of West Mallard Creek Church Road.

Crash Summary

• The crash happened at this intersection at 6:54am on Monday February 14, 2022. 
• A motorist struck Michael-Luther Black as he was crossing the west side of the intersection heading south on Claude Freeman Drive. Media coverage states that Michael-Luther died at the scene at 7:04am. 

Why was this crash nominated? 

• With multiple lanes for through traffic, multiple turn lanes, and a 45 mph speed limit, West Mallard Creek Church Road qualifies as a stroad environment. Strong Towns believes investigating collisions in places like this is an important component of its Crash Analysis Studio.
• Even though we weren't able to get a crash report from the authorities, there was considerable information available to the public. Our nominator, Jaden Blank, also carries significant knowledge of the area as a local expert and former long-term resident. 

What additional information is available? 

• A diagram to assist you with visualizing and understanding the measurements of the crash location.
• A folder containing the speed study and processed speed data used for this session.

• Diagram.pdf300 KB