Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 27-year-old Specialist assigned to the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, died in a Government Motor Vehicle (GMV) mishap 23 February 2026 on the installation at 1314 local. The Soldier was ground guiding a vehicle when he was pinned between it and another vehicle. Emergency medical services personnel responded promptly to the scene, initiated CPR and transported the Soldier to a local hospital, where he died. Additional information is currently unavailable. The USACRC is conducting the investigation.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of five Soldiers a year to on-duty GMV mishaps. This mishap was the third on-duty GMV fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Ground guiding tactical vehicles is an inherently dangerous task that demands constant communication, situational awareness and strict adherence to established procedures. A single moment of broken communication or poor positioning can have catastrophic consequences. Here are some essential safety tips to prevent mishaps when ground guiding a vehicle:

• Maintain a Safe Position: The ground guide must NEVER be positioned between the moving vehicle and another vehicle, wall or fixed object. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle and ensure you have a clear path to escape should the vehicle move unexpectedly.
• Establish Clear Communication: Before movement begins, the driver and ground guide must establish and review standard hand and arm signals.
• Stop if Visual Contact is Lost: The driver is required to stop the vehicle immediately if they lose sight of the ground guide at any time. Do not resume movement until positive visual contact and communication are re-established.
• Control Vehicle Speed: The vehicle must move at a slow, walking pace, allowing the ground guide to stay in a safe position and react to changing conditions. The ground guide controls the vehicle's movement; the driver only moves upon receiving a signal.
• Ensure All-Around Situational Awareness: Both the driver and the ground guide must remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Scan for personnel, equipment and obstacles in the vehicle's path, and anticipate potential pinch points or hazards before reaching them.

Two Specialists assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in an automobile mishap 14 February 2026 in Sanford, North Carolina, at 0330 local. The Soldiers’ vehicle collided head-on with a pickup truck. A third Soldier in the vehicle was critically injured and airlifted to Womack Army Medical Center. Details regarding speed, the use of personal protective equipment, and whether alcohol or drugs were involved are under investigation. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty automobile mishaps. These were the 16th and 17th off-duty automobile fatalities of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Head-on collisions are among the most severe and fatal types of traffic crashes, almost always resulting from one vehicle crossing the centerline into the path of oncoming traffic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the critical reason for a crash is assigned to the driver in 94 percent of cases, with errors in recognition (e.g., distraction), decision-making (e.g., speeding) and performance being the primary causes. Preventing these catastrophic driver errors is the key to avoiding head-on collisions. Here are some essential safety tips to prevent a head-on collision:

• Maintain Lane Discipline: The most fundamental task in driving is to keep your vehicle in the correct lane. Remain centered in your lane and avoid drifting toward the centerline, especially on undivided two-lane roads.
• Eliminate All Distractions: A moment of inattention is all it takes to cross into the opposing lane. Put your phone away, set your navigation before you drive, and avoid any activity that takes your eyes or your mind off the road.
• Stay Alert and Avoid Fatigue: Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, severely impairing judgment and reaction time. If you feel tired, pull over in a safe, well-lit area to rest before continuing your journey.
• Never Drive Impaired: Alcohol and drugs degrade the critical skills needed to operate a vehicle safely, leading to poor lane tracking and delayed reactions. Always have a plan for a sober ride if you plan to drink.
• Manage Speed for Conditions: Drive at a speed that is appropriate for the current road, weather and traffic conditions. Reducing speed in curves or when visibility is poor provides more time to react if an oncoming vehicle crosses into your lane.
• Practice Defensive Scanning: Actively scan the road far ahead and be aware of oncoming traffic. Watch for vehicles that are weaving or drifting in their lane, as this may be an early warning sign that a driver is distracted, impaired or fatigued, giving you precious seconds to take evasive action.

A Private First Class assigned to Fort Irwin, California, died in a motorcycle mishap 27 January 2026 in Baker, California, at 2200 local. The Soldier lost control of his motorcycle on Interstate 15, resulting in severe head trauma and multiple fractures. He was airlifted to University Medical Center in Las Vegas, where he later died. The Soldier reportedly had not completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic Rider Course and did not possess a motorcycle endorsement on his civilian driver’s license. Additional information, including personal protective equipment use, speed, or the involvement of alcohol or drugs, is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 31 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the seventh motorcycle fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Operating a motorcycle at night presents unique dangers that are fatally compounded when the rider lacks formal training and licensing. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 36 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were riding without a valid motorcycle license, a statistic that underscores the lethal consequences of inadequate preparation. Proper rider training is not just a regulatory requirement; it is the fundamental building block for surviving on the road, especially after dark. Here are some essential safety tips to prevent a loss-of-control motorcycle crash at night:

• Complete Mandatory Rider Training: All Soldiers must complete an approved Basic Rider Course (BRC) before operating a motorcycle. This training provides the foundational skills for braking, cornering and managing traction, which are even more critical when visibility is reduced.
• Obtain a Valid Motorcycle Endorsement: Riding without the proper motorcycle endorsement on a state-issued driver's license is illegal and proves a lack of basic competency. The skills test ensures a rider meets the minimum standards required to handle a motorcycle on public roads.
• Maximize Your Visibility with Proper PPE: Always wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet to prevent head trauma. For night riding, your gear should include retroreflective materials to make you more visible to other drivers. Full-fingered gloves, a long-sleeved jacket, long pants, and sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear are also mandatory.
• Adapt Your Riding for Nighttime Conditions: Reduce your speed to avoid "out-riding" your headlight, which is the mistake of traveling at a speed that does not allow you to stop within the distance illuminated by your headlight beam. Increase your following distance to at least six to eight seconds to compensate for reduced depth perception.
• Ride Within Your Skill Level: An interstate at night is one of the most demanding environments for a motorcyclist. New or untrained riders must gain experience on slower, less-congested roads during daylight hours before attempting to ride in such challenging conditions.
• Ensure Your Lighting is Functional: Before any night ride, conduct a pre-ride inspection (T-CLOCS) with special emphasis on your lights. Ensure your headlight (both high and low beams), taillight and brake lights are all clean and function perfectly. Your lights are your primary means of seeing and being seen.

An 18-year-old Private Second Class assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, Louisiana, died in an automobile mishap 31 January 2026 in Denham Springs, Louisiana, at 0014  local. The Soldier’s vehicle collided with a truck on the highway and rolled into a ditch. Emergency services were called, and the Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. Seat belt use, speed, and the potential involvement of alcohol or drugs are unknown. Additional information is currently unavailable. 

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 10th off-duty automobile fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Making a left turn across highway traffic is one of the most dangerous maneuvers a driver can perform, requiring precise judgment of speed and distance. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 36 percent of all crashes occur at intersections, with left turns being a major contributing factor. This highlights the critical need for extreme caution and defensive driving techniques when entering or crossing high-speed roadways. Here are some essential safety tips to prevent a collision when turning left onto a highway:

• Look Left, Right, Then Left Again: Before pulling out, scan for traffic by looking left, then right, and then one final time to the left. The final look confirms that the closest lane is clear at the exact moment you intend to move. Traffic on a high-speed road can close the distance incredibly fast.
• Judge Gaps for Trucks and Motorcycles Differently: Never assume you can pull out in front of a large truck. Trucks appear to be moving slower than they are and require a much longer distance to stop. Conversely, motorcycles are smaller and their speed can also be deceptive, so give them a wide berth.
• Demand a Larger Gap Than You Think You Need: When turning onto a highway with a speed limit of 55 mph or higher, you need a significant gap in traffic. If you have any doubt whether you can make the turn safely, wait for the next gap. A few seconds of patience can prevent a fatal decision.
• Keep Your Wheels Straight While Waiting: While waiting at the stop line to make your turn, keep your steering wheel pointed straight ahead. If you are struck from behind, this will prevent your vehicle from being pushed into the path of oncoming traffic.
• Avoid "Creeping" and Commit to Your Turn: Do not slowly inch your way into the intersection. Wait for a confirmed, safe gap and then accelerate briskly and deliberately through the turn to get up to the speed of traffic as quickly and safely as possible.
• Ensure Zero Distractions Before Turning: This critical maneuver requires your complete and undivided attention. Put away your phone, pause conversations and lower the radio volume. Your focus must be entirely on the traffic environment outside your vehicle.

A 35-year-old Specialist assigned to Defense Language Institute, Presidio, California, died in an off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap 22 November 2025 in Granite Creek at Garrapata State Park at 1500 local. The Soldier was swept into the Pacific Ocean by a large wave and did not resurface. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly and initiated a multi-agency search-and-rescue operation. The Soldier has not been found. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of eight Soldiers a year to off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishaps. This mishap was the second off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year. This was also the first off-duty water-related fatality of FY26.

Safety Tips

Coastal environments are dynamic and can present unforeseen dangers to even the most experienced individuals. According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, rip currents are the No. 1 hazard at surf beaches, leading to over 100 drownings annually in the United States. Understanding the power of the ocean and how to react to its hazards is a critical lifesaving skill. Here are some essential safety tips to prevent being swept into the ocean by large waves or strong currents:

• Swim in Designated Areas: Always choose beaches with lifeguards on duty and swim in marked swimming zones. This ensures you are in a safer environment where help is readily available if needed.
• Be Aware of Ocean Conditions: Before entering the water, check the local surf forecast and be mindful of changing tides, currents and wave conditions. Strong currents and rip tides can pose significant dangers.
• Know Your Swimming Abilities: Be realistic about your swimming skills. If you are not a strong swimmer, avoid deep water and strong currents. Always swim with a buddy, even in lifeguarded areas.
• Understand Rip Currents: Learn how to identify rip currents and what to do if caught in one. If you find yourself in a rip current, stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until you are free from the current, then swim back to the beach at an angle.
• Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol before or while swimming, as it can impair your judgment and physical abilities, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Enter the Water Safely: Always enter the water feet first, especially in unfamiliar areas. Avoid diving into shallow waters or from heights.
• Stay Informed about Marine Life: Be aware of the local marine life and any potential hazards, such as jellyfish or sharp rocks. Most marine life is harmless, but it's good to be informed.