Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

Two Privates assigned to the Army Reserve, Tupelo, Mississippi, on battle assembly orders died in a pedestrian mishap 9 July 2021 in New Albany, Mississippi, at 0800 local. Four Army Reserve Soldiers were traveling on Interstate 22 near Myrtle and New Albany, Mississippi, en route to battle assembly when one of the Soldiers experienced a flat tire on her vehicle. Two other Soldiers stopped to render assistance in changing the tire and were both struck by a vehicle. The two Soldiers were dead when Mississippi Highway Patrol arrived on scene.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to pedestrian/non-motorist mishaps. This mishap resulted in the fifth and sixth pedestrian/non-motorist fatalities of FY21.


When dealing with a flat tire on the highway:

Pull over and out of traffic if possible — Even if all of the emergency lights are activated, some highway drivers do not pay close attention and could rear-end the disabled vehicle, causing further damage or injury.

Alert other drivers — Once off the road, put out reflectorized triangles behind your vehicle to alert other drivers. Keep your emergency flashers on. Keep as much distance as possible between you and the disabled vehicle until traffic has been diverted around it.

Tackle changing a tire only if you can do so without placing yourself in danger — If you know how to change a tire, have the equipment and can do it safely without being near traffic, change the tire as you normally would.

Remember that being safe must take precedence over your schedule or whatever other concerns you may have. Changing a tire with traffic whizzing past can be nerve-wracking at best and dangerous at worst. Therefore, it may be best to get professional help if you have a tire problem or other breakdown on a multi-lane highway.

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A Specialist assigned to the Army National Guard, Thibodaux, Louisiana, activated under Title 10 orders to support the Southwest border mission, died in a pedestrian mishap 10 July 2021 in McAllen, Texas, at 0330 local. The Soldier was crossing a road when he was struck by multiple civilian vehicles. He was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other casualties reported. The specific circumstances of the mishap are unknown at this time.

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


Pedestrian Safety Tips:

1. Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.

2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.

3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.

4. Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.

5. Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.

6. 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.

7. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.

8. Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

9. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.

10. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.

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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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A Soldier assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, died in a pedestrian mishap 18 March 2021 near the installation at 0510 local. It is suspected that the Soldier was struck by a vehicle when he was walking eastbound in the westbound lane of I-70. The Soldier was reportedly released from extra duty about 2300 on 17 March, and did not report to duty the next day. A former Fort Riley Soldier stated that the Soldier came to his off-post residence about 2330, where they talked and consumed alcohol, before leaving in the early hours.

Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reported the remains of an unidentified individual located on I-70 slightly east of milepost 302 at approximately 0510 on 18 March. At 1036 hours, Fort Riley Directorate of Emergency Services was notified by the Geary County Sheriff's Office, Geary County, Kansas, that the fingerprints obtained from the remains were matched to a Soldier assigned to the unit. No personal effects or identification were located on or near the body, with the exception of a cellphone believed to belong to another Fort Riley Soldier assigned to the same unit. The body was later identified to be that of the missing Soldier. An autopsy of the remains will be completed at Frontier Forensics, Kansas City, Kansas. An investigation is ongoing by the local authorities in conjunction with the Fort Riley Criminal Investigations Division. The unit and safety POC are waiting for local authorities to release information.

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 FY21.

Pedestrian Safety Tips
1. Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
4. Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
5. Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
6. 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.
7. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
8. Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
9. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
10. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and judgment.

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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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