Pedestrian killed after being hit by car in crosswalk south of downtown Raleigh
A woman was hit and killed Tuesday morning while walking in a crosswalk on Wilmington Street south of downtown Raleigh.
The driver of a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe struck Sarah Meilike, 38, at approximately 8:39 a.m.
A preliminary investigation by the Raleigh Police Department indicates that Meilike was crossing west to east at the crosswalk while a “Don’t Walk” signal flashed.
Police did not say whether the stoplight had a green signal when the Tahoe struck Meilike. Impairment and speed are not suspected to have played a role, police said.
Meilike was taken to a hospital where she died from her injuries.
Police have not filed charges against the driver at this time. The crash remains under investigation.
Laws on NC crosswalks
Pedestrian and bike safety organization Watch for Me NC offers an online brochure for pedestrians and drivers about crosswalk safety.
Pedestrians are ordered to obey the signals at intersections with special “Walk” or “Don’t Walk” signals, according to North Carolina law.
If a driver is moving through an intersection with a green signal and a pedestrian starts to cross in its path against the red signal, the driver should give a warning with the horn.
The law requires drivers to use the horn whenever a pedestrian may be affected by a turn, stop or start from a parked position. The driver must stop if a pedestrian does not stop.
This story was originally published November 15, 2022 at 4:42 PM.
