Greenville, NC (July 14, 2026) – A 74-year-old man died after being struck by a vehicle on North Memorial Drive near West Moore Street early on Monday morning, July 13. The crash was reported at approximately 5 a.m.
Linwood Smallwood walked from the shoulder into the middle of the roadway and was struck by a vehicle traveling south on North Memorial Drive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Conditions at the time of the wreck were dark and rainy.
No further details about the driver or the circumstances leading up to the accident were included in the initial report.
The collision remains under active investigation. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Linwood Smallwood.
What Are the Risks of Pedestrians on Roadways in Dark and Rainy Conditions?
Darkness and rain together create some of the most challenging visibility conditions a driver can face. Rain reduces headlight effectiveness and creates glare from wet pavement, while darkness limits how far ahead a driver can see. A pedestrian stepping from a shoulder into a travel lane under these conditions may not be visible until the vehicle is already too close to stop safely.
Pedestrians on roadways outside marked crosswalks face a significantly higher risk than those using designated crossing areas. Travel lanes are designed for vehicle movement, not foot traffic, and drivers generally do not expect to encounter a person standing or walking in the middle of the road. This element of surprise reduces the time a driver has to react, even when they are traveling at a safe speed for conditions.
Older pedestrians can be more difficult to see at night due to the types of clothing typically worn and their naturally slower pace, which may leave them exposed in a travel lane longer than a younger person would be. Low-contrast clothing against a dark, wet road surface further reduces the visibility window available to an approaching driver.
