A Specialist assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in a pedestrian mishap 17 January 2021 in El Paso, Texas, at 0134 local. The Soldier was hit by a civilian vehicle while crossing the street near an intersection. He was transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Alcohol use and other factors are pending the results of the ongoing investigation.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to pedestrian/non-motorist mishaps. This mishap is the first pedestrian/non-motorist fatality of FY21.


Pedestrian Safety Tips:

1. Cross streets at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks where available.

2. Always look left, right and left again before crossing a street, and keep watching as you cross. Be aware that drivers have differing levels of eyesight and skill in operating motor vehicles.

3. Pedestrians should be especially careful at intersections, where drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way while turning onto another street.

4. Make sure you are seen:

- Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets.
- Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night.
- Carry a flashlight when walking in the dark.

5. Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible.

- If sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic on the edge of the road, as far from the travel lane as possible.
- Walk defensively and be ready for unexpected events. Know what’s going on around you and don’t allow your vision to be blocked by clothing, hats or items you are carrying.
- Watch the pedestrian signals, not the traffic signal, and follow the “WALK/DON’T WALK” lights. Look for pedestrian push buttons for crossing protection at signalized intersections.
- Watch out for parked vehicles. Parking lots can be as dangerous as streets.

6. Avoid alcohol and drugs, as they can impair your ability to walk safely.

7. When crossing, use all of your senses and don’t use your cellphone for calls and texting.

8. Use particular caution when crossing driveways and alley entrances. Drivers may not expect you to be there or see you.

9. Adults should supervise children when crossing streets. Smaller children may be difficult for drivers to see and young children may not be able to judge whether it is safe to cross a street.

Motorists need to be vigilant of pedestrians and pedestrians need to be vigilant of motorists. Although motorists have more responsibility under the law when operating a motor vehicle on city streets, pedestrians have more at stake.

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