THOMASVILLE, N.C. — A woman is dead after a hit-and-run around 5 a.m. on Sunday, May 12, according to the Thomasville Police Department (TPD). Police identified the victim as 52-year-old Janice Batten of Winston-Salem.
Police said the incident happened on the 1100 block of Liberty Drive. They found Batten unconscious, lying in the road.
The investigation determined she had been walking south in the outside lane when a car, also driving south, hit her. The car allegedly then continued driving.
No arrest has been made.
Anyone with any information regarding the case is encouraged to contact the TPD at 336-475-4260.
Police provided the following tips for safe driving and pedestrian safety:
Pedestrian Safety Tips For Walking
1. When possible, use sidewalks.
2. If there isn’t a sidewalk, face traffic and walk as far away from the road as possible.
3. Wait to cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, and keep an eye out for vehicles that may be turning.
4. Look out for cars driving in or out of driveways, or backing up from parking spaces.
Pedestrian Safety Tips For Driving
1. Follow the speed limit. Small differences in speed can be the difference between life or death if a person is hit while walking.
A 10 mph difference in speed doubles the risk of death for a pedestrian. A person hit at 32 mph has a 25% chance of being killed. A person hit at 42 mph has a 50% chance of being killed. (Source: AAA Foundation, 2011)
2. Actively watch for pedestrians. (Pro-tip: Count the number of pedestrians you see while you drive. You’re more likely to see something you’re actively looking for.)
3. Slow down when driving in areas with more pedestrians If there are people around, it’s time to slow down.
4. If it’s raining or dark, slow down to give yourself more time to react and stop for pedestrians.
5. Drive slowly and be prepared to stop when turning or approaching a crosswalk.
6. Back into parking spots or pull through so you can clearly see people walking in parking lots.
