Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

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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A Sergeant First Class assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a pedestrian mishap 14 September 2020 at Naval Air Station-Key West, Florida, at 1515 local. The Soldier was supporting the unit with maintenance and supply accountability. Shortly after checking in to his hotel, he went to the Navy Exchange (NEX) on base. While outside the NEX, the Soldier was struck by a vehicle and killed. At approximately 1649, the unit received notification of the mishap and immediately reported it to Battalion Headquarters and the proper channels. The specific circumstances of the mishap are unknown at this time. An investigation has been initiated with no suspicion of foul play. The unit will continue to provide updates as they are released by NAS-KW and local law enforcement.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of eight Soldiers a year to pedestrian mishaps. This mishap is the fourth pedestrian fatality of FY20 and is below the number of similar fatalities during the same time period last year.

Be Visible
Make sure you’re visible to drivers at all times and make eye contact with them whenever possible. This is especially important at night, in low-light conditions such as dusk or dawn, or in inclement weather. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 32 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occur between 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.

-Wear lightly colored or reflective clothing at night and brightly colored clothing during the day.
-Stay in well-lit areas, especially when crossing the street.
-If possible, make eye contact with drivers in stopped vehicles to ensure they see you before you cross in front of them.


Stay Alert – Avoid Distractions
Distractions are everywhere today and becoming more and more difficult to avoid. Remember that, as a pedestrian, your eyes and ears are your best tools for keeping safe. Stay alert and watch out.
-Put down your phone. Smartphones and handheld electronic devices are a daily part of life, but they take your eyes off of the road and distract your attention.
-Don’t wear headphones. Your ears will tell you a lot about what is happening around you; be sure to use them.


Follow the Rules
-Know and follow all traffic rules, signs and signals. You need to be aware of the rules vehicles around you must follow to properly anticipate what drivers will do. This will help increase your safety.
-Never assume a driver will give you the right of way. Make every effort to make eye contact with the driver of a stopped or approaching vehicle before entering the roadway.


Walk in Safe Places
-Use crosswalks when crossing the street. If a crosswalk is unavailable, be sure to find the most well-lit spot on the road to cross and wait for a long enough gap in traffic to make it safely across the street.
-Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If a sidewalk is not available, be sure to walk on the far side of the road facing traffic. This will help increase your visibility to drivers.
-Avoid walking along highways or other roadways where pedestrians are prohibited.

Avoid Alcohol Consumption
Almost half of all traffic crashes resulting in pedestrian casualties involve alcohol consumption. Surprisingly, 34 percent of that total was on the part of the pedestrian. Alcohol impairs your decision-making skills, physical reflexes and other abilities just as much on your feet as it does behind the wheel.

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A Lieutenant Colonel assigned to Naples, Italy, died in a pedestrian mishap 22 August 2020 in Rome, Italy, at 2040 local. While walking to meet his family for dinner, the Soldier was struck and killed by a civilian vehicle. The civilian driver reportedly stopped and tried to render first aid. The following day, the Soldier’s wife identified his body. The circumstances of the incident are unknown, as the host nation will not release information regarding the death until the investigation is complete. 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 FY20 and above the number of similar fatalities during the same time period last year.

While the specific circumstances surrounding this mishap are unknown at this time, the following pedestrian safety tips should always be followed:

•Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
•Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
•If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
•Keep alert at all times. Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
•Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
•If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely. Continue watching for traffic as you cross.
•Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
•Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
•Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
•Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and judgment.

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A Specialist assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a PMV-4 pedestrian mishap 12 August 2020 in Killeen, Texas, at 2150 local. The Soldier was traveling with two other Soldiers in a private motor vehicle on a multi-lane highway when they saw a serious automobile accident. The Soldiers stopped to render assistance. One Soldier attempted to direct traffic on an unlit, curved highway with vehicles traveling at high rates of speed, when he was struck by a vehicle. Local emergency management services and fire department personnel responded to the accident and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. Alcohol use was not reported as a factor. The mishap is under investigation.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to pedestrian/non-motorist mishaps. This mishap is the second pedestrian/non-motorist fatality of FY20 and the same number of similar fatalities during the same time period last year.

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A Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, died in a pedestrian mishap 27 October 2019 in Junction City, Kansas, at 0100 local. The Soldier was towing a vehicle when he stopped on the side of the road. Upon exiting his vehicle, he was struck by oncoming traffic. The Soldier was evacuated to a local hospital, where he was later removed from life support. The mishap is under investigation.

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