A Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a pedestrian mishap 4 April 2021 in Clarksville, Tennessee, at 0230 local. The Soldier was struck by a civilian vehicle while crossing the street on North Riverside Drive in Clarksville, Tennessee. The Soldier was transported by Life Flight to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Alcohol use and other factors are unknown at this time, 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 third pedestrian/non-motorist fatality of FY21.


Pedestrian Safety Tips

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

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 to pedestrians while turning onto another street.

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

4. 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.

a) 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 that you are carrying.
b) Watch the pedestrian signals, not the traffic signal, and follow the “WALK/DON’T WALK” lights (they’re set up to help you cross safely). Look for pedestrian push buttons for crossing protection at signalized intersections.
c) Watch out for parked vehicles. Parking lots can be as dangerous as streets.

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

6. When crossing, use all of your senses and don’t use your cell phone for calls and texting.

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

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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