UPDATE: Man Dies from Motorcycle Crash
Charges are pending against a Timonium resident who allegedly failed to yield the right of way.
UPDATED (4 p.m.)—Robert Junius Carter Jr., a Baltimore City resident, died Sunday from injuries suffered from a motorcycle crash Friday afternoon.
Carter died at 11 a.m. Sunday at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma.
Patch originally reported that Carter was in critical condition Monday, based on the latest information provided to police.
Numerous phone calls to the University of Maryland Shook Trauma Center seeking information were not returned.
ORIGINAL—A Baltimore man remains in critical condition after hitting a moving car with his motorcycle Friday afternoon in Timonium.
Charges against Frederick Jasen Levitan, the automobile driver who allegedly failed to yield the right of way, are pending, according to Baltimore County police.
The victim, Robert Junius Carter Jr., of the 4800 block of Reisterstown Road, was headed northbound on Aylesbury Road on his Yamaha V-Star 1100 motorcycle when he struck Levitan’s 1998 Cadillac Deville.
Levitan, 83, of the unit block of Glenamoy Court in Timonium, was making a left turn onto Fox Tail Road from southbound Aylesbury Road.
Carter, 47, was transported by ambulance to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center with life-threatening injuries.
Levitan is considered at fault, according to police.
Carter worked as a chef at The Charred Rib, a popular Timonium restaurant, for decades.
CJ
6:03 pm on Monday, June 27, 2011
As a very wary motorcyclist I see these potential "killers" on the road on a daily basis. Drivers make a proactive decision each time they climb behind the wheel. If for ANY reason their abilities and reflexes are too impeded to handle their vehicles safely as to not put themselves and others at risk of being maimed or killed then they should make the decision NOT to drive!! If the grown children of these "time bombs" don't take steps to keep their parents from driving then the resulting deaths and maimings are as much on their hands as their parents!
Shadow
1:08 am on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
As a fellow motorcyclist, community resident and frequent patron of the Charred Rib I am both saddened and angered to hear of this tragedy!! I know Robert and spoke to him often about motorcycles and riding when he came out of the kitchen to say hi. He often asked after my health and recovery after an elderly driver caused a similar accident I was in 2 1/2 years ago from which I am still dealing with the repercussions.
Both of these crashes were avoidable had the car driver been competent in his/her driving, paying attention and yielded the right of way. While I appreciate the diligence of the police and the filing of charges they will in no way adequately allow for justice. In non-fatal collisions it amounts to a few traffic violations. With the warmer weather and increased motorcycle traffic I beg all drivers to use caution and stay on uour side of the road. While I understand that driving is independence for seniors I urge all to realistically evaluate whether they or their parent still have the senses and reflexes to do it safely.
My prayers go out to Robert and his family during this difficult time.
heather damon-pannone
9:09 am on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
I worked with Robert years ago at the Charred Rib and am completely devastated by his passing. He was the kindest, funniest most genuine person that you would want to know. He touched everyone that he came in contact with. I bet you couldnt find a person that could say a bad word about him. It will be hard to go into the Rib without seeing his smiling face or hearing his laugh come out of the kitchen. He will be truly missed. He was one of the good ones:) We will all miss you Robert:(
Kate
1:16 pm on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
I've only had the honor of knowing Robert a couple of months, but I know he's a great man. From my first day working at the Charred Rib, he's been one of the best parts of coming into work. He's the most welcoming person I've ever met and has the kindest heart too. I'm going to miss him greatly. It's just not the same without him. Everyone feels the pain of this tragedy. Robert's family is in our prayers. We miss you like crazy, Robert.
CJ
2:07 pm on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Using your silly logic M. Sullivan, maybe we should all just stay in bed and never venture out of the house because the world is a scary unsafe place.
To suggest that Robert somehow contributed to this horrible tragedy by choosing to ride his motorcyle is ludicrous and does dishonor to his memory!
M. Sullivan
10:01 am on Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Talk about silly, Galler, it's rather silly to take my simple statement that motorcycles are less safe than cars and turn it into a ridiculous extreme. I have nothing against Robert and am certainly sorry for his loss. However, it is proven time and time again that motorcycles are the most unsafe form of licensed highway transport. I have seen first hand the result when a motorcycle impacts a car and even when hitting some loose gravel on the road. It's never good.
CJ
1:54 pm on Wednesday, June 29, 2011
No question Sullivan, that there are unique safety issues inherent in riding a motorcycles. But the last ridiculous line of your post "Have some common sense, stop riding motorcycles!" clearly suggests that you feel that those of us, including Robert, who choose to ride motorcycles, lack common sense and are somehow responsible for our own injuries or death at the hands of incompetant automobile drivers .
Yvette Ford
2:22 pm on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
I have had the pleasure of knowing Robert Jr. for over 30 years and he was like a brother to me. He has always had love and kindness in his heart for others and a generous and genuine spirit. I know he is in heaven with his Mom ( Mrs. BeBe) and Max..LOL. I will have to get used to him not being here but it is so hard to imagine that in the slightest. I will always remember his laughter, jokes, Always busy doing something , cooking his butt off and the relationship he Blessed my Family with. I will always Love and Think of You Robert and to the Carter Family...We are all Family... We Love You and All Our Hearts are Heavy with this Loss. I Mourn the loss of my Brother Teddy who Died at 19 and I Mourn the loss of My Brother Robert who I have known for 30 years. Thank GOD for all those Wonderful Memories, they will definitely help us through!
Kathy Hoatson
4:53 pm on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Our whole family are regular customers at the Rib and whether we were having lunch or dinner or just stopping in for a few drinks Robert was aways there with that wonderful smile. He would take the time to stop and talk to you or take the time to see if you were enjoying your meal. My husband and him would always talk about his Captain Crunch Chicken which was one of my husband's favorite. He was always so kind to my grandaughter making her special ice cream sundaes. I will always remember him wearing his large chef's hat at the special holiday brunches and giving his special touch to making omlettes and waffles. He took such pride in his work and was loved by everyone. The Rib just won't be the same without that electric smile. We will miss Robert every time we will go into the Rib from now on. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. Your loss is our loss too. Robert you were special to all of the customers that you served. God Bless you.
vonzella chilson
6:28 pm on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
I've known Robert for over 20 years, when I received the call on my answering machine I was stun, I couldn't move. He was always there, when I got married he was their, when I moved into my new home he helped. The last time I saw him was at my home, I called to tell him I made him a frozen lemonade pie. That was the last time I saw him. The man that cause this accident, I hope he realize the damages and the lost he has caused. I have a father that is still driving at (90 years old) I try to convince him to stop. Robert I Love You May You R.I.P Von
colleem reynolds
8:58 pm on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Colleen Reynolds. I had the Honor of working with Robert at the Pimlico restaurant in the 80's then again when I worked at The Charred Rib. We talked about our motorcyles. I often teased him about his choice of mc, because I ride a Harley . So we had many laughs. You think when people reach a certain age,like the 75 - 80yr mark, that MAYBE THEY SHOULDN'T DRIVE OR AT LEAST NE RE-TESTED???? I DO. May Robert Rest in Peace.
Colleen Clifford
2:45 pm on Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Our condolences go out to Robert's family. Every one in our family has had the pleasure of working with Robert. He was a great man to work with. He was always so kind, caring and funny. He will be truly missed.
Ed & Elaine Shade and Matt & Colleen Clifford
Gary Carter
2:39 am on Thursday, June 30, 2011
WOW! As I sit her and read all the wonderful expressions of love for Mr. Robert J. Carter Jr, I beam with pride. The pride of know that "Rob" carried himself in a remarkable manner, touching so many with his kindness. I know that there is a hole in the Carter Clan and they will forever miss his beautiful smile and contagious laugh. ( never knew what he was laughing at, but I would laugh anyway) . You will never find another person so sincere and warm. You ask how I know, because he was not only my friend, but my brother. He has gone to be with our mother and we will miss him madly. Rob, we love man!
tara dees
1:25 pm on Thursday, June 30, 2011
Gary:
Your brother Rob was the best of the best. He is missed so much. He was such an amazing and incredible person who didn't deserve to have his life cut short. I truly feel that this country needs to make mandatory driving tests for the elderly. they cause more accidents then most teens just getting their licenses. When I heard that Robert was in an accident, I knew right away that it wasn't his fault prior to even knowing what happened. He was a smart and cautious rider. My grandmother isn't allowed to drive anymore b/c we took her keys and made her stop. she wasn't a good driver anymore. We took responsibility and made her stop driving, as I will do to my parents when the time comes and will do for myself or have my children do for me. You should be proud of Rob and the way he carried himself, and he truly has changed everyone's life that he came in contact with. This is a tragic loss for all who knew him and we all loved him so much.
Allison Heyman
3:53 pm on Thursday, June 30, 2011
At some point, the children and/or friends of elderly drivers MUST step in. I understand that it will be very difficult and even a bit demoralizing to one day give up my driver's license-- but if I am unable to drive without endangering others- then the license has to go. Period. I have never understood why there isn't mandatory testing after a certain age.
george ingram
10:19 am on Friday, July 1, 2011
Robert;
I have only known Robert for a short period of time but everytime I had the pleasure of being with him or around him he made you feel special. You will truly be Miss!
George
ethel cooper
4:00 pm on Saturday, July 2, 2011
To The Carter Family: Sadden by your lost, Robert was such a fine young man who loved everyone!!!. I remember his Smile , His love of his family
and How he flew by me on the Skate floor!! , He has touched the lives of so many, 'that was plain to see by the out pouring of houndreds who came to bid him fair well. God Bless you Carter Family, Rob is at Peace now, right by Mom 's side. So Glad I had the opportunity to know him, He will be missed but never forgotten!!
He lives in my heart .Ethel J Cooper (peaches) The Baby Sitter!!
Kim bruther
7:17 pm on Thursday, July 7, 2011
This is JUST for Mr Sullivan...Robert was not at fault and to say people should stop riding motorcycles cause some old jackass does not know how to drive is completely ignorant!!! Obviously you have never owned a bike or been on one. Just because it's not deemed as safe as a car doesn't make it wrong to be on one. I have been on one and a lot of my friends have motorcycles, if you are a safe driver...and Robert was, you should feel safe. Maybe the older drivers need to have their vision checked or need a new driving test. The man was 83 yet you don't seem to condemn him in anyway yet you are very quick to judge Robert and other motorcycle riders as if they are at fault for being on your road that's made for JUST cars?!?! Obviously you have NO idea what your talking about and maybe you should just keep your opinion to yourself!!!
M. Sullivan
2:33 pm on Thursday, July 21, 2011
Kim, I am in no way excusing the elderly driver in this case. Maybe he shouldn't be driving. However, the fact remains that whether it is the fault of a bad car driver, or a tire blowout in the truck next to you, or even some gravel at the wrong place in the road, a motorcycle is the most unsafe mode of transport on the highway. It is completely irrelevent whether or not I have owned a motorcycle. I have had close friends seriously injured on motorcycles. I have also seen someone die first hand on Deerco Rd when an oncoming biker hit a pickup that pulled out from a side street. The biker hit the truck, flew over the hood and landed in front of my car which was, fortunately, stopped. It's guys like you that are so blinded by this biker machismo nonsense that they can't see the inherent danger in motorcycles. Even worse are those that think "helmet laws suck".
CJ
3:00 pm on Thursday, July 21, 2011
Sullivan, no one is disputing the fact that riding a motorcycle comes with inherent risks; much more than when driving in a car. The fact however, is that they are a legal mode of transportation and in this economic environment, are the sole source of transportation for some people.
I know several local bicyclist who have been killed and others who have been severely injured by inattentive motorist, but I haven't heard anyone, nor would I ever suggest that they lack "common sense and should stop riding" their bicycles. Do you think bicyclists are exhibiting "biker machismo"??
Except for your assertion that "bikers" are foolish or lacking in common sense, your observations are reasonable. It's your pronouncement that motorcyclist are foolish and your stubborn unwillingness to recognize that you may have misspoken or gone a little too far in suggesting that a motorcyclist like Robert was partly responsible for his untimely death by riding his motorcycle, that makes you out to be an ass.
M. Sullivan
11:43 am on Friday, July 22, 2011
Galler, at no time did I use the word "foolish". I have ridden a bicycle almost every day for years, however, although the law is on my side, I have no illusions that I can ride on narrow roads and that cars should be forced to keep pace behind me. I avoid busy roads and always give the right of way to motor vehicles. I do this because I know that, regardless of who is at fault, when it's my bike vs a car, I will lose. A motorcycle rider cannot do this. He must ride among the rest of the traffic and maintain speed while having no real protection in the event of an accident. According to a 2006 NHTSA study, a motorcyclists risk of a fatal crash is 35 times greater than a passenger car. Motorcycle death rates have been increasing while auto death rates have been decreasing. My "common sense" comment stands and I don't need any further debate with someone who needs to resort to name calling to make a point.
Eric M. Weber
5:50 pm on Thursday, July 21, 2011
M. Sullivan, while the safety aspects of operating a motorcycle are far overshadowed by those of cars and SUV's. Most operators of motorcycles are far better disciplined and aware of their surroundings because of the fact that most operators of motor vehicles are barely capable of staying in control of their vehicle, much less be aware that there is a world outside of their little caged, air-conditioned world. When was the last time you saw a person on a motorcycle chatting away on their cell-phone while drifting into the other lane....or putting on their makeup... or trying to choke down their super-sized double quarter-pounder with cheese while shifting gears and txt'ing their friends. Motorcyclists as a whole have to be better trained, more respectful and fully aware of what goes on around them because of people like you who don't have a clue what it takes to drive more than a glorified cage with a coat of paint. As much as I cannot stand some of the regulations of government, I would fully adopt the driving requirements of the European Union for a national Drivers License in the United States. Example: In the EU, you have to qualify for your driver's license on a vehicle with a manual transmission. That one requirement would remove 20% of the idiots off the road. The process to obtain a drivers license is long, difficult and expensive, but the results are safer drivers who are more disciplined. Unlike the Maryland where they will even give illegal's a license.
Karen
7:14 pm on Thursday, July 21, 2011
I regularly see bad motorcycle drivers just like I see bad car drivers. I cannot tell you how many times people on speed bikes have zipped by me weaving in and out of traffic on the beltway. There are poor drivers of every type of vehicle Mr. Weber. Your comments are just as ignorant as the other person's. This crash was a tragedy and a terrible loss for the family. That should be the focus here.
DEB
12:57 am on Saturday, September 10, 2011
I work with Carter(Robert) at Pimilco Resturant I called him Carter when most call him robert.He will be missed. R.I.P. MY FRIEND
DEB
1:00 am on Saturday, September 10, 2011
I work with Carter(Robert) at Pimilco Resturant I called him Carter when most call him robert.He will be missed. R.I.P. MY FRIEND