Memphis, TN (May 27, 2026) – A 16-year-old was injured after being struck by a car near the intersection of Knight Arnold Road and Watson Street in Memphis on Tuesday, May 26, at around 5:30 p.m. The teen had run into the roadway while fleeing from a dog when a vehicle hit him.
The collision involved two cars and a pedestrian. The teen was taken to the hospital and was listed in noncritical condition. No other injuries were reported.
No additional details about the wreck had been made public as of this report.
Investigators are still working to piece together the full circumstances of the accident. We hope the teen makes a smooth and complete recovery.
What Are the Risks When Pedestrians Enter Traffic Unexpectedly in Memphis?
When a person enters a roadway suddenly, drivers have very little time to react. At typical city speeds, stopping distances can stretch well beyond what most people expect, making unexpected crossings especially dangerous. Residential and mixed-use streets like those in Southwest Memphis see a mix of foot traffic and moving vehicles throughout the day, which increases the chance of a close call turning into something more serious.
Young pedestrians are at higher risk in these situations because they may not fully gauge vehicle speed or distance before stepping off the curb. Fear-based reactions, like running from an animal, can cause someone to move into traffic without looking. Awareness of nearby escape routes that don’t involve the roadway can make a real difference in outcomes like these.
