Posted in Car Accident,Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on June 25, 2015
Fort Knox Soldier Struck and Killed by Vehicle in Clarksville
A soldier from Fort Knox, Kentucky, was struck by a vehicle and killed on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard in Clarksville, Tennessee, early Wednesday.
A report by The Leaf-Chronicle states that the man, a 25-year-old soldier training at Fort Campbell, was walking along the shoulder of Wilma Rudolph Boulevard when he stepped into the path of traffic and was struck by a Nissan Pathfinder around 12:30 a.m. near the intersection of Terminal Road.
Clarksville police say that the driver of the Pathfinder attempted to swerve out of the way to avoid striking the man, but ultimately collided with him, causing the man to suffer fatal injuries.
The soldier was transported by LifeFlight helicopter to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment where he was later pronounced dead.
Police and witnesses say it’s unknown why the man stepped into the path of oncoming traffic and are still investigating the accident.
How to Stay Safe When Walking at Night
Walking on or near a roadway at night is dangerous due to drivers’ reduced visibility. While it’s best to avoid walking at night, that’s not always possible—especially during emergencies or if you experience vehicle problems. To stay safe when walking at night, do your best to follow these tips:
Pedestrians are difficult to see at night, and wearing dark-colored clothing can make them nearly invisible to drivers until they’re only a few feet away. To make yourself more visible, always wear bright colored clothing. You can also improve your visibility by wearing a reflective vest or by carrying a flashlight. Anything that either produces or reflects light back at drivers will help make you more visible while walking on the roadway.
If you’re walking on the shoulder of the road, put as much distance between yourself and oncoming traffic as possible. Walking too closely to the road makes you much more likely to be struck by a vehicle, as all it takes is a brief moment of distraction for a driver to drift several feet towards you. If you’re walking on a highway or interstate, consider walking in the grass to get as far away from traffic as possible.
If possible, always walk towards the flow of traffic. Doing so makes you more visible to drivers and also gives you more time to react in case a driver loses control and begins heading in your direction. Walking towards traffic also makes it easier for you to reflect headlights back at drivers and increase your visibility with a flashlight or flash from your cell phone.
Never attempt to cross the street at night unless you’re at a crosswalk that’s protected by a traffic light or stop sign. Even if you don’t see any vehicles in either direction when you step out into the roadway, that can quickly change, as some drivers may neglect to turn their headlights on. Crossing only at designated crosswalks can significantly reduce your chances of being injured while walking on or near a roadway at night.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Clarksville car accident attorneys has helped many victims who were injured in pedestrian accidents, and the likelihood of those types of accidents increases significantly at night and in situations where drivers have reduced or limited visibility. While walking at night always carries inherent risks, following the tips above can help you get to your destination while reducing your chances of being involved in a serious accident.
If you or someone you love was injured by a negligent driver, either while walking or while riding in your own vehicle, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your accident-related expenses. To speak with an experienced law firm, contact the Clarksville car accident lawyers at our firm today. Just dial (931) 274-7788 or complete a free online consultation form.
