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Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley


State Police Investigating Serious Crash Involving a Pedestrian – Update#2


Date Posted: Thursday, November 17th, 2016

North Wilmington- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has identified the 37-year-old pedestrian killed in the fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on US 202 at Woodlawn Road, Wilmington, on Monday, November 14, 2016, as Dijuana Collier, of Wilmington.

This crash remains under investigation.

Released: 111716 0725

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**Original Releases**

North Wilmington- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate a crash that has claimed the life of a 37-year-old Wilmington female which occurred last night in North Wilmington.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 8:17 p.m., as a 37-year-old female pedestrian was attempting to cross the southbound lanes of US 202 (Concord Pike) just north of Woodlawn Road in an eastbound direction. As the pedestrian entered the center lane, she stepped into the path of a 2014 Audi A6, which was traveling southbound on Concord Pike, and which was being operated by Edward Ballen, 73, of Wilmington. The force of the collision vaulted the victim onto the hood of the Audi. She then came to rest in the left hand lane of Rt. 202. Edward Ballen was able to bring his vehicle to a controlled stop in the center lane of the roadway.

The female pedestrian, who was not utilizing a marked cross walk and was dressed in dark clothing at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. She was then removed from the scene and transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital where she was subsequently pronounced dead. The victim’s name is being withheld pending the notification of her next of kin. Alcohol use on the part of the victim is being considered as a factor in this crash.

Edward Ballen, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was not injured.

The southbound lanes of US 202 were closed for approximately 2 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared. However, traffic was permitted to use the right hand shoulder to proceed past the scene.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

The Delaware State Police would like to offer these pedestrian safety tips to help educate and encourage pedestrians to make smart and safe decisions when walking near roadways. By following these basic safety tips and laws it is our hope that no other pedestrians lose their lives.

  • Do not walk under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Impaired walking is like impaired driving; it is illegal and can be deadly.
  • Teach children not to run into the street after balls or other toys, and don’t allow them to cross alone until you’ve practiced the basics with them.
  • Carry a flashlight or other reflective item when walking at night. It’s the law.
  • Do not step into a cross walk if it will create a hazard to motorists. When it is clear to cross, continue to watch for traffic while crossing the street until you have safely reached the other side.
  • Use sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far off the edge of the road as possible.
  • Do not risk crossing outside of a cross walk or intersection just because it’s more convenient, especially on high-speed roadways. Cars cannot stop in time for you.
  • Cross only at cross walks or intersections with signals or traffic signs. Look left, right, and left again.  Only start to cross when it’s clear.
  • If your vehicle breaks down on an interstate or busy roadway, don’t leave your vehicle.  Instead call #77 or 911 for assistance.  Motorists can also call #77 to report a disabled vehicle they see on the roadways.
  • If you are driving, be on the lookout for pedestrians near the roadway.

 

Released: 111516 0720

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**Original Release**

North Wilmington – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a serious crash involving a pedestrian on Concord Pike (US 202) and Woodlawn Road that occurred around 8:17 p.m. this evening.  The pedestrian has been removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Christiana Medical Center with undetermined injuries.

The travel lanes of southbound Concord Pike have been closed and traffic is being diverted onto the southbound shoulder. Commuters should expect slowing in the area and are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

Further details will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation. 

Released: 111416 2105

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