DELAWARE- Road safety is a growing concern in the state as pedestrian fatality numbers rise. Delaware's Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is taking steps to warn us of some common highway hazards.
Meghan Niddrie, community relations director with OHS said 18 pedestrian fatalities statewide since January is "high for such a small state."
Officials warn pedestrians to use crosswalks and pathways as much as possible. However, that becomes more difficult on the many long and winding roads in western Kent and Sussex counties.
"It is very rural so there is not a lot of options for sidewalks and crosswalks," Niddrie said.
Some, like Lucas who just moved to west Dover, have no choice but to use their two feet as a means of transportation.
Thursday morning he said "people who actually walk to and from work everyday like myself understand there are definitely drivers who intentionally try to scare you," he said, explaining his concern that cars are often reluctant to share the road.
Lucas suggests there be more pedestrian pathways near the bus stop, where others who usually travel by foot are often headed.
Besides lack of crosswalks, Niddrie said speeding is also a primary cause for pedestrian fatalities. As these kind of fatal accidents occur more than half the time on roads with speeds of 35 miles per hour and higher.
Kent County EMS Director Kevin Sipple reported that last year, approximately 80 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred on or near Route 13 in Dover. In 2023, the department has already responded to 55 pedestrian/vehicle accidents resulting in injuries, which is 10 fewer than the total number of incidents recorded in 2022.
The OHS has scheduled pedestrian education outreach events at the end of the month, including a Trunk-or-Treat event where a street team will be present on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 53 Commerce Way from 5 to 7:30 PM, near Enterprise Plaza off Route 8. They will hand out reflective gear to pedestrians as part of their efforts to educate the community on safe practices.