Bear – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred early Sunday night on Route 40.
At approximately 8:47 p.m. Sunday September 12, 2021, an 18-year-old Newark man was operating a 1997 Honda Civic westbound in the right lane of Pulaski Highway (US40) just west of Fir Avenue. A 41-year-old female from New Castle had just crossed over the eastbound lanes of US40 from the south side of the roadway. She then walked across a paved cross-over and into the westbound lanes while continuing to walk in a northerly direction. The pedestrian then walked into the path of the Honda Civic which was unable to avoid colliding with her. After the collision, the Civic immediately came to a stop.
The 41-year-old female, who was not wearing any type of reflective clothing and was not carrying any kind of lighted device, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.
The 18-year-old operator of the Honda Civic was uninjured.
Pulaski Highway (US40) westbound west of Fir Avenue was closed for approximately two and a half hours to vehicular traffic while the crash was investigated and cleared from the roadway.
This collision remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information or who witnessed this collision should contact Senior Corporal M. Calio by calling 302-365-8483. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.
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.
• Be sure to evaluate the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before you step out into the street to ensure that a vehicle has adequate distance in which to stop safely.
• 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.
• Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets and continue to watch out for traffic the entire time you are in the crosswalk. Your life may depend on it, regardless whether or not you have the right of way.
• 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.
• We urge pedestrians and drivers to be more observant, cautious and safe.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a 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. (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at Debra.Reed@delaware.gov.
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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier
Released: 091321 1200
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