STAFF SGT. ALEXANDRIA MILAZZO CAMACHO
D Company, 1-13th Aviation Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade
Fort Rucker, Alabama

Pedestrian safety feels simple because most of us learned the basics when we were young. Many Soldiers believe they fully understand the risks of being a pedestrian, especially when they are off duty. I learned how wrong that assumption can be one winter night in Henrico County, Virginia.

A few years ago, a Soldier close to me — whom I will call Paul — attempted to cross a street at about 8:15 p.m. The area was extremely dark, and street lighting along that stretch was almost nonexistent. A vehicle struck him and fled the scene. Paul did not survive.

In the days following the tragedy, workers from nearby businesses noted that the stretch of road felt dangerous even during daylight. Many remarked that they dreaded crossing it because drivers rarely slowed down. These comments showed that the hazard was well known long before the accident, yet it took a life-changing tragedy to force a re-evaluation of how dangerous a routine walk can actually be.

Soldiers spend a massive amount of time managing risk during duty hours. We brief hazards, rehearse tasks and check equipment before every mission. However, many of us relax that disciplined mindset the moment we leave work, creating a dangerous gap in situational awareness. According to the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center’s annual assessment of the Army Safety Program, the vast majority of Soldier fatalities occur off duty. Over the last five years 60% of pedestrian fatalities occurred at night. These sobering trends show that off-duty hazards deserve the same respect and planning as on-duty tactical risks.

The night Paul was struck, he crossed a busy section of the road that locals described as difficult to navigate. Emergency responders diverted traffic while investigators examined the scene for evidence. When I learned the details, I thought about how often I crossed roads the same way. I trusted that drivers would see me and assumed that nothing bad would happen. Those assumptions replaced awareness, which is a common cause of pedestrian mishaps. Even simple actions require deliberate attention to avoid preventable harm.

Several recurring hazards appear in pedestrian incidents across the country. Low visibility remains a primary danger, making pedestrians nearly impossible for drivers to spot in the dark, especially when wearing dark civilian clothing. This is compounded by distracted driving, which continues to rise as motorists look at mobile phones, navigation systems and in-car screens. Pedestrians also create danger for themselves through distracted walking, often by looking at their phones or wearing headphones near traffic. Additionally, mid-block crossings increase risk because drivers expect pedestrians at designated intersections, not between blocks. Finally, excessive vehicle speeds drastically reduce a driver's reaction time and exponentially increase the severity of any impact.

Soldiers can reduce their risk of off-duty mishaps by applying the same tactical discipline they use in uniform to their everyday lives. Pedestrians can easily increase their visibility by wearing reflective gear, carrying a flashlight or utilizing a phone light when walking along roads at night. It is also critical to use designated crossings, crossing only at marked crosswalks and intersections where drivers expect pedestrian activity.

Maintaining complete alertness by avoiding screens and headphones while near traffic is equally vital. Walkers should always walk defensively, assuming drivers do not see them, and wait for vehicles to completely stop before stepping into the road. Lastly, anticipating mistakes from motorists, such as drivers running red lights or turning without looking, helps prevent accidents before they occur.

Paul’s death taught me that pedestrian safety requires constant vigilance, both on and off duty. The dangers we face in civilian clothes are just as lethal as the hazards we face in uniform. We routinely prepare for complex military operations, yet we easily overlook the simple risks found in everyday situations. Sharing this story serves as a reminder to all Soldiers that simple, routine actions can carry irreversible consequences. A few seconds of deliberate attention can prevent a lifetime of regret. Stay alert, maintain your situational awareness and protect yourself.

Did You Know?

According to U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center statistics, over the past five years, 20 Soldiers died in pedestrian mishaps, averaging four fatalities per year. The majority of these incidents occurred during hours of darkness, and alcohol was a known or suspected factor in nearly half of the cases. Nothing can be done for these Soldiers, but you don’t have to join them in the Preliminary Loss Reports. Here are some safety tips for when you’re traveling on foot:

• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the roadway, always walk facing traffic.
• Dress to be noticed by motorists. Wearing bright or light-colored clothing helps drivers see you. Reflective clothing is best but never assume drivers can or have seen you.
• Cross streets only at marked crosswalks or intersections.
• If crossing a multilane roadway, pedestrians should visually clear each lane as they proceed.
• If a car is parked where you are trying to cross, look for other drivers who may be pulling out and not see you because they are looking for traffic.
• Remember that telephone poles, utility boxes and parked vehicles block an oncoming driver’s ability to see you.
• Look LEFT – RIGHT – LEFT in countries like the United States, where motorists drive on the right side of the street. In nations where drivers use the left side of the road, look RIGHT – LEFT – RIGHT prior to entering the street.
• Give drivers ample time to stop before entering the crosswalk.
• Crossing at locations with traffic signals helps motorists see you.
• Wearing headphones while walking, jogging, bicycling or riding a motorcycle on post is prohibited. If you choose to wear headphones off post, always remove them while crossing the street so you can hear approaching traffic.
• Always hold a child by the hand while crossing a street. Remember, walk — don’t run.
• If the intersection has a pedestrian walk button, press it and cross when it is clear to go, keeping in mind that all crosswalks do not allow the same amount of time to cross.

For additional information and safety products, including a variety of tools and resources such as printable pedestrian safety and emergency roadside assistance brochures and posters, visit https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Pedestrian.