A 29-year-old Active Guard/Reserve Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Cavazos, Texas, died in a PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishap 11 June 2023 at 0321 local. The Soldier was struck by another vehicle after he stopped and dismounted his motorcycle to retrieve an item that was in the road. The driver of the vehicle that struck the Soldier did not stop afterward. The Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. The safety point of contact is awaiting more information from local law enforcement.
Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of six Soldiers a year to PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishaps. This mishap was the sixth PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist fatality of FY23.
Safety tip
At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. Unfortunately, pedestrian injuries and fatalities remain high. In 2021, 7,388 pedestrians were killed – a 13% increase from 2020 – and more than 60,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide.
Of the 7,388 pedestrian fatalities, 1,802 (24%) were involved in hit-and-run crashes and more pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark (77%) than in daylight (20%), dusk (2%) and dawn (2%) in 2021.
Know the Basics — Pedestrian Safety
Safety tips for drivers
1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
4. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
5. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
8. Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.
Walking safety tips
1. 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. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
5. 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.
6. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
7. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
8. Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation — get up, get out and get moving.
Tips provided by NHTSA