A 38-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Camp Blanding, Florida, died in an on-duty PMV Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishap on the installation at local. The Soldier was on drill weekend performing physical training when a civilian-operated vehicle struck him. The specific circumstances of the mishap are currently unknown.
Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of one Soldier a year to on-duty PMV Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishaps. This was the first on-duty PMV Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishap of FY25 and above the number of on-duty PMV Pedestrian/Non-Motorist fatalities for this same time last year.
Safety Tip
We rarely are more vulnerable than when walking in urban areas, crossing busy streets and negotiating traffic. We all are pedestrians from time to time, so it's important to pay attention to what is going on around us. In 2022, an estimated 9,188 pedestrians died in traffic and non-traffic incidents, with 7,522 of those killed in traffic crashes on public roads, according to Injury Facts.
All Ages Are Vulnerable
According to Injury Facts, in 2022, more than 17.7% of all traffic deaths were pedestrians. Every age group is vulnerable, but the largest number of pedestrian deaths occur among 55- to 64-year-olds (1,351). While children under aged 5 to 9 experienced the fewest number of pedestrian deaths (51 in 2022), these deaths still represented nearly 16.3% of all traffic deaths for this age group.
Follow these tips to stay safe as a pedestrian:
- Whenever possible, walk on the sidewalk; if no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic
- Follow the rules of the road, obeying all traffic signs and signals
- Cross streets at crosswalks
- If no crosswalk is available and your view is blocked, move to a place where you can see oncoming traffic
- Look left, right and left again before crossing the street, making eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles to make sure they see you
- Stay alert – avoid cellphone use and wearing earbuds
- Avoid alcohol and drug impairment when walking
- Wear bright and/or reflective clothing, and use a flashlight at night
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots
- Children younger than 10 should cross the street with an adult
Head Up, Phone Down
Distracted walking incidents are on the rise, and everyone with a cellphone is at risk. We are losing focus on our surroundings and putting our safety at risk. The solution: Stop using phones while walking, and not just in crosswalks and intersections. Over half of distracted walking injuries occur in our own homes, proving that we need to stay aware of our surroundings indoors and out.
Pedestrian Safety Is a Shared Responsibility
When driving, help keep pedestrians of all ages safe:
- Obey all traffic laws, especially posted speed limits in school zones
- Watch for pedestrians at all times and be extra cautious when backing up
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, making eye contact to indicate that you see them
- Never pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks
- Stay alert – avoid distracted driving
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Tips provided by the National Safety Council.