A 20-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died as a result of injuries from a PMV-4 mishap that occurred 12 June 2022 in El Paso, Texas, at 0030 local. The Soldier was crossing the street when she was struck by a pickup truck that fled the scene. It is unknown who notified 911. The Soldier was transported to the local hospital for treatment and died the following day. The El Paso Police Department is investigating the mishap.
Since 2017, the Army lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishaps. This mishap was the first PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist fatality of FY22 and below the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
No matter where you live or how you get places, at some point during the day, you’re a pedestrian. Unfortunately, pedestrian deaths have increased on America’s roadways.
By the Numbers:In 2018, there were 6,283 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, the highest since 1990 and a 3.4% increase from 2017. On average, a pedestrian died every 84 minutes in 2018 — accounting for 17% of all traffic fatalities.
The goal of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is to keep you safe — inside and outside of the vehicle. Before you step outside or get behind the wheel, get familiar with these safety tips.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians:-Walk on a sidewalk or path. If neither is available, walk facing traffic and as far from cars as possible.
-Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible; this is where drivers expect pedestrians. If neither is an option, locate a well-lit area, wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic as you cross.
-Be alert. Walkers wearing headphones or using a cellphone might not hear a car horn or could miss a traffic signal at a crosswalk.
-Walking while impaired is dangerous. An estimated 33% of fatal pedestrian crashes in 2018 involved a pedestrian who was drunk. NHTSA offers tips for other ways to get home safely.
-Never assume drivers see you; they could be distracted or impaired. It’s best to make eye contact with drivers to make sure you are seen. Make yourself visible by wearing brightly colored clothing during the day. At night, wear reflective materials, or use a flashlight.
Safety Tips for Drivers:-Look for pedestrians everywhere. Pedestrians may be walking in unexpected areas or may be hard to see — especially at night, in poorly lit areas, or in bad weather.
-Follow pedestrian safety laws in your state or local area — always stop or yield for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
-Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. They might be stopped to allow pedestrians to cross the street.
-Stay alert where children may be present, like in school zones and neighborhoods.
-Slow down and carefully adhere to posted speed limits, particularly in urban and pedestrian-heavy areas. Lower speeds are one of the most important factors in pedestrian crash survivability.