Southbound Jeep Wrangler struck 95-year-old man nearby facility lot in Conway
November 18, 2025 | Conway, AR
A tragic vehicle-pedestrian collision claimed the life of 95-year-old Richard Schlater in Conway, Arkansas.
The incident occurred in a facility lot near Prince Street, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in urban areas.
Richard Schlater, 95, of Conway, died after a southbound Jeep Wrangler hit him in a facility lot near Prince Street in Faulkner County.
What Happened in the Crash?
According to the Arkansas Department of Public Safety report, a southbound Jeep Wrangler struck Schlater around 2:04 p.m. while he was walking through the lot. He sustained fatal injuries and passed away at the scene. The Conway Police Department is leading the investigation, with further details pending release.
- Victim: Richard Schlater, 95, of Conway
- Location: Facility lot near Prince Street, Conway, AR
- Vehicle Involved: Jeep Wrangler
- Date and Time: Nov. 18, 2025, approximately 2:04 p.m.
- Investigating Agency: Conway Police Department and Arkansas Department of Public Safety
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrians remain highly vulnerable on roadways despite protective laws. Common factors include driver distraction, speeding, impairment, and inadequate infrastructure that favors vehicles over foot traffic.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reported an estimated 7,148 pedestrian fatalities nationwide in 2024, including 66 in Arkansas. This rise is linked to risky driving behaviors and design flaws in roads and crossings.
Statistic |
National (2024) |
Arkansas (2024) |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Fatalities |
7,148 |
66 |
GHSA |
Increase in Deaths |
Attributed to speeding, DUI, and distraction |
Part of national trend |
GHSA Report |
Vulnerable Road Users |
Pedestrians account for 20% of traffic deaths |
Similar proportion in state data |
NHTSA |
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) underscores the need for better visibility, lighting, and road conditions to prevent such tragedies.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes
National legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on incidents like vehicle-pedestrian collisions, emphasizing thorough investigations to establish liability.
“In cases such as this, road conditions, visibility, and lighting play critical roles and must be examined closely,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team can help determine contributing factors, aiding in securing fair compensation for losses.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Proper resources are essential for proving negligence in pedestrian cases.
- Factors like driver error and environmental conditions often determine outcomes.
- Families may pursue claims for medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress.
“Drivers have a duty to yield to pedestrians, and families affected by wrongful death can seek damages including companionship loss and funeral expenses,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “An attorney ensures fair treatment against insurance pressures.”
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).