Dewey Beach – The Delaware State Police have identified a Bethesda, Maryland man as the pedestrian that was struck and killed in a crash that occurred at approximately 12:31 a.m., Friday, May 25, 2018 on Coastal Highway (SR1) northbound at the intersection of Keybox Road south of Dewey Beach. Police said that 22-year-old Peter M. Rudnicki was killed when he entered into the northbound travel lane of Coastal Highway directly into the path of the vehicle.
Original Report
Dewey Beach – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that has claimed the life of a Maryland man, according to Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz.
Bratz said the incident occurred at approximately 12:31 a.m., Friday, May 25, 2018 on Coastal Highway (SR1) northbound at the intersection of Keybox Road south of Dewey Beach. A 2012 Hyundai Accent, operated by a 56-year-old Lewes man was traveling northbound on Coastal Highway (SR 1) in the right lane approaching the intersection of Keybox Road.
A pedestrian was walking southbound along the northbound shoulder of Coastal Highway in the area of the intersection. For unknown reasons, the pedestrian entered into the northbound travel lane of Coastal Highway directly into the path of the vehicle, said Bratz.
The operator of the Hyundai Accent was unable to avoid the pedestrian and struck him with the right front bumper within the right travel lane. After the collision, the pedestrian came to rest on the northbound shoulder of Coastal Highway. The vehicle continued northbound for a short distance before coming to a controlled stop on the northbound shoulder of Coastal Highway north of the pedestrian.
The roadway was dark and the pedestrian was not in a marked crosswalk or carrying a light at the time of the collision. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene by responding EMS. Alcohol and unsafe speed are not factors on behalf of the driver. Alcohol does appear to be a contributing factor on behalf of the pedestrian, said Bratz.
The operator of the Hyundai Accent was properly restrained and sustained no injuries as a result of the crash.
The northbound lanes of Coastal Highway were closed between Dewey Beach and the Inlet Bridge for approximately four hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Master Corporal K. Argo at 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
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 [email protected].