Police say a Massachusetts man has died hours after being hit by a car near a Delaware home where people flock each year to see its elaborate Christmas lights.
Delaware State Police say 62-year-old Thomas Brock was struck Friday night while crossing Red Lion Road in Bear, near where a homeowner puts of hundreds of thousands of lights and other decorations each winter holiday season.
Brock walked directly into the path of a passing Honda, police said. The driver stopped and remained at the scene.
Medics rushed Brock to Christiana Hospital in critical condition. He died Saturday, police said. Brock's hometown wasn't disclosed.
No charges were filed as of Monday. Authorities say they don't believe the 23-year-old driver, a local resident, was going too fast. Police say neither one was impaired.
State police offered tips for people walking near roadways and drivers during the holiday season.
Tips for pedestrians:
- Wear reflective clothing, a blinking light or use your cell phone’s flashlight.
- Use a crosswalk.
- 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.
