Fatal Pedestrian Accident Claims Life on Route 309 in Wilkes-Barre

A tragic incident occurred on November 26 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, when a pedestrian lost his life after being struck by a vehicle on Route 309. The accident occurred shortly before 7 pm near a busy commercial area where the highway intersects with the Home Depot entrance ramp.

According to Wilkes-Barre City Police Department officials, the man attempted to cross the highway toward Norm’s Pizza when a northbound vehicle struck the pedestrian. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel pronounced him deceased shortly after arrival.

Law enforcement officials are withholding the deceased’s identity while they work to notify his family members, following standard protocol in such cases. This section of Route 309, known for its retail establishments and moderate to heavy traffic flow, has been the site of previous safety concerns due to pedestrian crossing patterns in the area.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released additional details about the driver or potential contributing factors to the accident.

Understanding Nighttime Pedestrian Safety Risks

This incident highlights the heightened dangers pedestrians face after dark. According to the Governors Highway Safety Administration, nearly 81% of pedestrian fatalities occur during nighttime hours. Several factors contribute to this increased risk: reduced visibility makes it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians, especially those wearing dark clothing. The glare from oncoming headlights and street lighting can create confusing visual patterns that mask pedestrian movement. Additionally, driver fatigue peaks during evening hours, potentially slowing reaction times.

In commercial areas like Route 309, combining multiple business entrances, parking lot exits, and varying traffic speeds creates additional challenges for drivers and pedestrians after dark. Safety experts recommend pedestrians wear reflective clothing or carry flashlights when walking at night, use designated crosswalks whenever possible, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Drivers should remain especially vigilant during evening hours, reduce speeds in areas with potential foot traffic, and be prepared for unexpected pedestrian crossings near retail establishments.

If you do have to walk during the evening, keep the following tips in mind:

• Stay visible by wearing light-colored or reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight. This helps drivers spot you easily and allows you to better see your path and potential hazards ahead.
• Choose well-lit, populated routes along main streets and avoid isolated areas or dark alleys.
• Maintain strong situational awareness by keeping your head up, limiting headphones to one ear if needed, and staying alert to your surroundings. Walk confidently and purposefully, even if you need to check directions.
• Share your walking plans with someone trustworthy, including your route and expected arrival time. Keep your phone charged and readily accessible, but avoid being visibly absorbed in it while walking.
• Time your walks strategically by choosing dusk or early evening when visibility is better, and more people are around. In poor weather conditions like rain or fog, consider alternative transportation options.

If you get into an accident as a pedestrian, there is help. Contact a Wilkes-Barre pedestrian accident attorney to learn your next steps.

Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents that take place in Pennsylvania. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Munley Law as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.