Whitehouse, TX (September 5, 2026) – An 18-year-old high school senior was struck by a vehicle while crossing Highway 110 at Main Street on Thursday afternoon, September 3. Jimmy Martin had been walking around town after classes when a driver making a right-hand turn hit him.
Martin said he saw the vehicle before entering the crossing and believed the driver had seen him. He was knocked to the ground during the collision and later described pressure around his leg.
His family said he escaped with minor injuries, including bruising and a stiff ankle.
The crash remains under review. We hope he continues to recover fully.
Right-Turn Conflicts Can Put Pedestrians at Risk
Drivers making right turns often divide their attention between traffic, signals, crosswalks, and vehicles approaching from other directions. A pedestrian may cross while a motorist is checking for an opening in traffic.
Vehicle blind spots can add difficulty, especially near the front pillars and the passenger side. Clear eye contact may help walkers judge whether a driver has noticed them, but both road users still need enough time to recognize changing movement.
Intersection design can also affect visibility. Wide lanes, turning angles, parked vehicles, signs, and surrounding traffic may partially block a pedestrian from view. Lower turning speeds give drivers more time to scan the crosswalk and react, while people on foot benefit from checking each travel path before moving through the roadway.
