LEWES, DELAWARE (11/20/2014) A 75-year-old Lewes man was struck and killed by a vehicle when he was walking along State Route 24 (John J. Williams Highway) before dawn on Wednesday, Delaware State Police reported.
The accident happened about 5:50 a.m. just east of Camp Arrowhead Road.
The man killed, William McCafferty, was walking without a flashlight and had no reflective or light-colored clothing, police said.
He was struck in the westbound traffic lane by a 2002 Dodge Ram van driven by Jason A. Jewell, 36, of Seaford, according to police..
McCafferty was thrown into the roadway by the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jewell and a 33-year-old man who was a passenger in the van were not injured.
John J. Williams Highway was closed in the area for about three hours as police investigated.
Police said alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors in the fatal crash.
Family members of William McCafferty, including a grandson, mourned at the scene later Wednesday, and nearby residents talked of a need for safety improvements in the area where other accidents have occurred.
In a news release, police said, “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.”