New Castle (19720) – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian, which occurred on Friday night.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:26 p.m., Friday, November 24, 2017, on Red Lion Road (DE 71), east of DE Route 7, in New Castle. A 2001 Honda Civic being driven by a 23 year old Bear man, was traveling eastbound, in the 1000 block of Red Lion Road, which is an area known for elaborate Christmas displays. A 62 year old Massachusetts man, identified as Thomas R. Brock, was crossing Red Lion Road from the north to the south, and walked directly into the path of the Honda.  The right front of the vehicle struck Brock, in the eastbound lane, at which time he was knocked to the ground, before coming to rest on the south shoulder of the roadway. The Honda was driven to a controlled stop and remained at the scene.

Brock was transported by ambulance to the Christiana Hospital where he was admitted in critical condition. Brock ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on Saturday, November 25, 2017.

Neither speed nor impairment are a factor on the part of the operator, and he was not injured as a result of the collision. Impairment is also not a factor on the part of Brock.

Red Lion Road was closed for approximately two hours as a result of the crash.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone who has information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective J. Aube of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-365-8483.

Troopers remind pedestrians to use caution and safety when walking on or near roadways. If you must cross a roadway utilize appropriate cross walks and make sure to look left, then right, then left again before proceeding.  When walking near a roadway always make yourself visible to drivers by wearing bright/light-colored clothing and reflective materials.  Pedestrians that are walking at night must carry a flashlight for added safety.

Tips for pedestrians:

• Wear reflective clothing, a blinking light or use your cell phone’s flashlight.
• Use a cross walk.
• Be focused. Be aware of your surroundings and not distracted with your cell phone.
• Walk on the sidewalk when available, not the shoulder. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach you to make sure you are seen.
• Never walk under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Tips for drivers:

•  Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
• Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or in bad weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a cross walk.
• Yield to pedestrians in cross walks. Never pass vehicles stopped at a cross walk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
• Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Pedestrian safety information to educate and share can be found at http://www.ohs.delaware.gov/pedestrian.shtml. For more information on pedestrian safety visit http://www.nhtsa.gov/Pedestrians.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov. 

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov. 

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 112717 1105

-End-

Print This Page