Three Pedestrian Crashes in One Day as Memphis Leads Nation in Pedestrian Deaths

Two people were killed and another one is recovering from three different pedestrian incidents in a single day in Memphis.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Two people were killed and another one is recovering from three different pedestrian incidents that occurred in a single day in Memphis. The crashes happened across different parts of the city, from the interstate to major surface streets, and police said the incidents are not connected, but together they highlight concerns about pedestrian safety in Memphis, which has been named the deadliest city in the nation for pedestrians.

Why it matters

Memphis has the highest pedestrian fatality rate in the country, nearly three times the national average, according to a recent Washington Post analysis. The city recorded 82 pedestrian deaths in 2022, the highest total in recent years, and while that number dropped to 57 in 2023, Memphis has continued to lead the nation in pedestrian fatality rates. Safety advocates point to wide, high-speed roadways, limited crosswalk access, and gaps in sidewalks as major factors contributing to the high number of pedestrian crashes.

The details

The first crash occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Interstate 240 near South Parkway, where a woman was walking across the roadway and was struck and killed. The driver involved remained at the location and was later arrested on charges related to driving without a valid license and without insurance. Less than 12 hours later, another pedestrian was struck and killed near the intersection of Poplar Avenue and Claybrook Street, where the person was crossing the street when the crash occurred. The driver stayed at the scene, and no charges have been announced. Later that night, a third pedestrian was hit near Kimbrough Street and Union Avenue in the Medical District, and that person was taken to the hospital and later listed in non-critical condition.

  • Around 7:30 a.m. on February 19, 2026, the first crash occurred on Interstate 240 near South Parkway.
  • Less than 12 hours later on February 19, 2026, the second crash occurred near the intersection of Poplar Avenue and Claybrook Street.
  • Later that night on February 19, 2026, the third crash occurred near Kimbrough Street and Union Avenue in the Medical District.

The players

Memphis Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that is investigating the three pedestrian crashes and urging drivers to slow down, stay focused, and remain aware of their surroundings.

Theresa Carlson

A spokesperson for the Memphis Police Department who emphasized the importance of drivers remaining distraction-free and obeying posted speed limits.

John Taylor

A Memphis driver who said that pedestrian safety depends on awareness from both drivers and pedestrians.

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What they’re saying

“Make sure that you're keeping your head on a swivel and being aware of everything that's around your car — not just what's right in front of you. We want drivers to remain distraction-free, not on their phones, not adjusting the radio — watching their speed and obeying posted limits.”

— Theresa Carlson, Memphis Police Department spokeswoman (localmemphis.com)

“If you're running across the street, and I can't see you at night, that's dangerous. I would never want to hit anybody, but it takes awareness from both drivers and pedestrians.”

— John Taylor, Memphis driver (localmemphis.com)

What’s next

Police said reducing pedestrian crashes is a priority, with traffic enforcement focused on speeding, reckless driving, and other dangerous behaviors.

The takeaway

This series of pedestrian crashes in Memphis highlights the city's ongoing struggle with pedestrian safety, which has been exacerbated by factors like wide, high-speed roadways, limited crosswalk access, and gaps in sidewalks. Addressing these systemic issues will be crucial to improving pedestrian safety and reducing the high rate of pedestrian fatalities in Memphis, which currently leads the nation in this grim statistic.