Delaware – The Delaware State Police would like to remind bicyclists and motorcyclists of some safety tips while riding along the roadways and ways motorist can help to make the roads safer.

Troopers would like to provide the following information for Bicyclists riding in Delaware:

• Obey the rules of the road.  Drivers and bicyclists are expected to observe traffic rules such as stop signs and red lights.  Ignoring these traffic rules can lead to injuries that would have otherwise been preventable.
• Never ride against the flow of traffic.  Drivers and pedestrians alike may not be expecting bicyclists riding in that direction.

On Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in the Lewes/Rehoboth Beach areas, bikes are allowed on the sidewalks and must yield to pedestrians. However, in certain town limits local ordinances prohibit bikes on the sidewalks.

• Avoid distracted riding much like you would if you were driving a car, and wait to check your cell phone until you’re safely off the road.
• Visibility can be an issue for bicyclists in the dark, so take steps to ensure that motorists can see you.  Adding white front lights and red back lights to your bike, plus reflective tape or clothing can also help make you more visible in the dark.

It is against Delaware law to operate a bicycle at night without a front headlight.  And remember, visibility isn’t just an issue late at night; cloudy days and early mornings can impair motorists’ ability to see bicyclists on the road too.

More information on bicycle safety can be found on the Delaware Office of Highway Safety website and laws can be found on the State of Delaware website under Online Delaware Code.

Troopers would like to provide the following information for Motorcyclists riding in Delaware:

One of the most common reasons drivers give for cutting off or pulling out in front of a motorcycle is that they “didn’t see it.”

Motorcyclists can prevent crashes and injuries by:

• Reducing speeds and/or maintaining safer speeds
• Keeping headlights and marker and taillights on at dusk and in dark or rainy weather
• Staying three to four seconds behind a vehicle they intend to pass, checking oncoming traffic from the left side of the lane, signaling the intention to turn, and then checking for oncoming traffic before passing.
• Checking their rearview mirror and quickly turn their head to ensure the vehicle is a safe distance behind them when completing a pass.
• Wearing helmets that meet a high protection standard.
• Wearing proper clothing, eyewear and sturdy, closed-toe footwear.

Safer motorcycle rides start with respect. Check out the Office of Highway Safety’s Motorcycle Safety website at ArriveAliveDE.com/Motorcycle-Safety and find out where you can take the Motorcycle Rider Safety Course, popular routes for riders throughout the state of Delaware, and check the street smarts section that teaches you how to conduct a pre-ride check called T-CLOCS. While you’re visiting, check out the video section featuring some of Delaware’s riders as they talk about the freedom of owning a bike and why motorcycle safety is so important.

Motorists can help to make the roads safer by taking some simple precautions:

• Be extra cautious on weekends, when more bicyclists and motorcyclists take to the road.
• Provide adequate room to maneuver. Follow at least three to four seconds behind them.
• Allow extra maneuvering room in areas with potholes, pavement transitions and railroad crossings.
• Never try to share a lane with a bicycle or motorcycle.
• If a bicycle or motorcycle is nearby, check your mirrors carefully before changing lanes. Bicycles and motorcycles may be in your blind spots or difficult to see because of their smaller size.

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@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 081319 1225

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Rehoboth Beach, Delaware – The Delaware State Police are investigating a serious crash involving a bicyclist that took place on southbound Coastal Highway (SR 1) south of John J. Williams Highway (SR 24) at the entrance to the Royal Farms convenience store.

The preliminary investigation has determined the collision occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m., Sunday, August 11, 2019, as a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe operated by a 48-year-old man of Rehoboth Beach was traveling eastbound through the parking lot of the Royal Farms service station located at 18904 Coastal Highway. The driver intended to enter the southbound travel lanes of Coastal Highway. Prior to exiting the parking lot, the Tahoe came to a complete stop while allowing several vehicles to pass by on Coastal Highway. While waiting to exit the parking lot, a bicycle was traveling northbound in the southbound bike lane of Coastal Highway approaching the entrance to the Royal Farms. The bicycle passed in front of the entrance to the Royal Farms at the same time the driver of the Tahoe pulled forward onto Coastal Highway. As a result, the front of the vehicle impacted the left side of the bicycle and caused it to overturn onto its right side. As the bicycle overturned, the bicyclist was fully ejected from the bike. The vehicle traveled in a southeasterly direction for a distance before coming to a controlled stop in the middle of southbound Coastal Highway.

The bicycle operator was initially transported by ambulance to Beebe Medical Center. She was later airlifted to the Christina Hospital where she is being treated for head trauma. She was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. The victim’s bicycle was equipped with both a front headlight and rear taillight; it is currently unknown if the lights were activated. The bicycle operator is a 24-year-old female from Poland and she is currently living in the Rehoboth Beach area with a host family.

The driver of the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, a 48-year-old man of Rehoboth Beach, was properly restrained and did not report any injuries as a result of the collision.

Impairment does not appear to be a factor on behalf of either the driver or bicyclist.

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@state.de.us.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 081219 0245

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Rehoboth Beach, Delaware – The Delaware State Police have identified the name of the pedestrian who died in a crash on Sunday, August 11, 2019, at approximately 12:16 a.m. on Coastal Highway (SR 1) south of Church Street west of Rehoboth Beach, as Martir Santiago, 40 of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to please call Troop 7 – Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-644-5020. 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

*UPDATE* TRAFFIC ADVISORY* SR 1 Coastal Highway South of Church Street Closed Due to Pedestrian Crash – Rehoboth Beach

*TRAFFIC ADVISORY* SR 1 Coastal Highway South of Church Street Closed Due to Pedestrian Crash – Rehoboth Beach

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

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 081119 2005

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Ocean View, Delaware – The Delaware State Police have arrested an Ocean View man after he was found to be under the influence for the 7^th time.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred on Thursday, August 8, 2019, at approximately 3:36 p.m., when troopers responded to the Bay Forest Club community in the area of Rockdove Court, Ocean View for a report of a motor vehicle crash. It was reported several signs were struck by a single-vehicle driving through the front yards of several residences in the area. With the assistance of the Ocean View Police Department, the driver of the vehicle was identified as Paul E. Longacre Sr., 57 of Ocean View, who operated a 1995 Plymouth Voyager under the influence of drugs.

Paul E. Longacre Sr. drove the Voyager through grass lots and struck signs and ultimately was stuck in the mud on a grass lot. He was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Beebe Hospital for treatment. A DUI investigation was initiated and a computer inquiry revealed six previous DUI convictions.

Upon contact with the driver, Longacre appeared to be intoxicated and showed multiple signs of impairment. Paul E. Longacre, 57 of Ocean View was arrested on August 9, 2019, and charged 7th Offense DUI (Felony) and Reckless Driving. He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $50,500.00 cash bond.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 081119 1245

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Dewey Beach, Delaware – The Delaware State Police have identified the name of the driver who died in a crash on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at approximately 12:04 p.m. on Coastal Highway (SR 1) south of Dewey Beach, as Logan B. Anderson, 23 of Lewes, Delaware.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to please call Troop 7 – Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-644-5020. 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

*Update* Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash – Dewey Beach

**Traffic Advisory** Serious Crash Investigated South of Dewey Beach

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

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 081119 1040

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Rehoboth Beach, Delaware – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a vehicle crash involving a Delaware State Trooper that occurred early this morning.

The preliminary investigation has determined the crash occurred at approximately 12:17 a.m., Sunday, August 11, 2019, as a trooper in a fully marked 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicle was traveling in the left lane northbound on Coastal Highway towards Church Street. The operator, a uniformed Trooper, was responding to a call for service. The police Tahoe was traveling with its lights and siren activated. A 40-year-old male pedestrian was attempting to traverse the northbound lanes of Coastal Highway in the area of Church Street in a westward direction near the Turnstone Builders Office complex. The pedestrian entered Coastal Highway from the east edge of the roadway, crossing the shoulder and the right lane. As the pedestrian entered the left lane he was struck by the front center of the Tahoe. The trooper, who was uninjured in the collision, came to a controlled stop in the right lane of Coastal Highway.

The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene by responding medics. The pedestrian did not have a light, reflective clothing or was in a marked crosswalk. Impairment on his behalf is undetermined at this time.

The trooper, properly restrained at the time, was not injured in the collision. The 31-year-old trooper has been employed by the Delaware State Police for nine years and is assigned to Troop 7 patrol in Lewes, Delaware. The trooper has been placed on administrative leave per Divisional Policy.

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

SR 1 Coastal Highway north of Church Street was closed in the area of the crash for approximately 3.5 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

*TRAFFIC ADVISORY* SR 1 Coastal Highway South of Church Street Closed Due to Pedestrian Crash – Rehoboth Beach

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:

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 081119 0924

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Rehoboth Beach, Delaware – Delaware State Police are on the scene of a crash involving a pedestrian that occurred at approximately 12:17 a.m., Sunday, August 11, 2019, which has Coastal Highway (SR 1) northbound south of Church Street closed.

Motorists can expect delays in the area and are advised to seek alternate routes of travel. For information regarding traffic conditions and road closure information click on the following link:

http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

The investigation is ongoing with further information being released as it becomes available.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 081119 0201

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Dewey Beach, Delaware -The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a multiple vehicle crash involving four vehicles that occurred earlier today.

The initial investigation has determined that on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at approximately 12:04 p.m. a 2016 Subaru Forester passenger car was traveling northbound on Coastal Highway south of Dewey Beach in the left lane in slow-moving stop and go traffic. A 2013 Ford Escape was traveling in the left lane behind the Subaru. A 2015 Honda CRV was traveling in the left lane behind the Ford Escape and had just come to a stop. A 2013 Nissan Rogue was traveling in the left lane at a higher rate of speed and was approaching the stopped traffic. For unknown reasons, the operator of the Rogue failed to recognize the stopped traffic and as a result, allowed the front of her vehicle to impact the rear of the Honda CRV. As a result of this impact, the front of the CRV struck the rear of the Escape. The front of the Escape then struck the rear of the Forester. All impacts occurred in the left lane. All vehicles were pushed or continued northbound where they came to rest in the northbound left lane, upright oriented in a northerly direction.

The operator of the 2016 Subaru Forester, a 50-year-old of Greenbelt, Maryland was properly restrained and was not injured. She refused medical treatment at the scene. There were two adult passengers in her vehicle who were also properly retrained and also refused medical treatment at the scene.

The operator of the 2013 Ford Escape, a 44-year-old of Ocean View, Delaware was properly restrained. She was transported to the Beebe Hospital by ambulance where she was treated and released for minor non-life threatening injuries.

The operator of the 2015 Honda CRV, a 52-year-old of Millville, Delaware was properly restrained. She was transported to the Beebe Hospital by ambulance where she was being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The operator of the 2013 Nissan Rogue, a 23-year-old of Lewes, Delaware was not properly restrained. She was transported to the Beebe Hospital by ambulance where she was pronounced deceased as a result of the injuries she sustained in this collision. Her name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Northbound Coastal Highway (SR 1) was closed for approximately three hours during the investigation and the clean-up efforts. Southbound Coastal Highway (SR 1)  was not closed or affected by this collision investigation.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

**Traffic Advisory** Serious Crash Investigated South of Dewey Beach

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.

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 081019 1945

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Claymont, Delaware – The Delaware State Police have identified the name of the pedestrian who was killed in a crash on Friday, August 9, 2019, on northbound Philadelphia Pike in the area of Princeton Avenue in Claymont, as Marc B. Wise, 47 of Claymont, Delaware.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to please contact Cpl. J. Forester of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8485. 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

*UPDATE* Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash Involving a Pedestrian – Claymont

Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash Involving a Pedestrian – Claymont

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

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 081019 1430

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Dewey Beach, Delaware – The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a serious crash involving multiple vehicles.

Preliminary investigation has determined a serious personal injury crash occurred today, August 10, 2019, at approximately 12:05 p.m. on SR 1 northbound south of Dewey Beach in the area of Key Box Road. All traffic is being diverted from the northbound lanes to the southbound lanes.

Motorists will experience delays in the area and are advised to seek alternate routes of travel. Further details will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation.

For updated traffic conditions and road closure information log on to: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

The investigation is in the early stages with further details being released as they become available.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released:081019 1315

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