Fatal Pedestrian Injury in Nashville

December 21, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

          The pedestrian fatally injured after being struck by a compact SUV at 5:30 a.m. today on Murfreesboro Pike at Dover Glen Drive is identified as Vulet A. Gaurge, 45, of Dover Glen Drive.

          The preliminary investigation shows that Gaurge was crossing Murfreesboro Pike in the rain to reach a bus stop when she was struck by a 2010 Subaru Forester driven by Samuel J. Wolf, 27, of Gale Lane.  Wolf said he did not see Gaurge until he struck her.  Gaurge was carrying an umbrella which may have obstructed her view of traffic.  She was crossing the street about 30 feet away from a crosswalk. 

          There was no indication of alcohol or drug involvement on the part of either individual.

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Three things:  as a driver, it is your job to see pedestrians.  You have to anticipate their moves.  Period.  

Second thing, and I don't know the answer to this:  is there a deficiency of proper pedestrian level lighting in this city?  I find Nashville so dark!  For example, I was at the intersection of 21st and Wedgewood yesterday & all 4 decorative lamps at each corner were out.  I could barely see the pedestrians crossing in the cross walk.  If anyone out there has some knowledge on lighting that is best for pedestrians or what other cities do (I can't say I have had the thought that other cities are so dark) - please let me know.

Third thing:  I think the ultimate question on the sad case above is why pedestrians feel the need to cross out of a crosswalk.  I suspect that it is due to poor design.

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Design matters.  

Shade Parade = tree lined, well designed sidewalks for Nashville