A Sergeant First Class assigned to Fort Knox, Kentucky, died in a PMV-2 mishap 14 August 2021 at 1815 local. The Soldier was a passenger on a motorcycle that struck a truck entering the roadway. Emergency medical services arrived and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. She was not wearing any personal protective equipment.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 27 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 22nd off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY21.


Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2019, 5,014 motorcyclists died. To keep everyone safe, we urge drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert, and we're reminding motorcyclists to make themselves visible, to use U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant motorcycle helmets, and to always ride sober.

Per vehicle miles traveled in 2019, motorcyclists were about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash, and were four times more likely to be injured. Safe motorcycling takes balance, coordination and good judgment.

If you're ever in a serious motorcycle crash, the best hope you have for protecting your brain is a helmet. Always wear a helmet that meets DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Look for the DOT symbol on the outside back of the helmet. Snell and ANSI labels located inside the helmet also show that the helmet meets the standards of those private, non-profit organizations.

Arms and legs should be completely covered when riding a motorcycle, ideally by wearing leather or heavy denim. In addition to providing protection in a crash, protective gear also helps prevent dehydration. Boots or shoes should be high enough to cover your ankles, while gloves allow for a better grip and help protect your hands in the event of a crash. Wearing brightly colored clothing with reflective material will make you more visible to other vehicle drivers.

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