PLR 23-009 - PMV2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life
A Sergeant assigned to Torii Station, Japan, died in a PMV-2 mishap 4 November 2022 in Okinawa, Japan. The Soldier was traveling northbound when a civilian vehicle making a right-hand turn struck his motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Soldier was wearing the required personal protective equipment and completed the mandatory Motorcycle Safety Foundation training. The Okinawa Prefectural Police Department responded to the scene. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the local authorities to release their final report.
Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the fourth PMV-2 fatality of FY23.
Safety Measures During the Ride
1. Stay Conscious of Your Surroundings on the Road
It’s important to scan your surroundings while on the road, as it enables you to identify blind spots, other motorists who are nearby, and the road ahead. It also offers you enough time to react to any danger, which you probably couldn’t have seen if you were not vigilant.
2. Practice Proper Positioning on the Road
The correct posture for riding a motorcycle is when you sit with your back upright and the shoulders slightly tucked back and relaxed. Such a posture prevents you from launching and discomforting your neck.
Also, you should ensure you always stick to the right lane and avoid encroaching in the lanes meant for other motorists. You should also ensure there is enough distance between you and the motorist ahead, such that you don’t follow them too closely.
3. Stay in Gear, Always!
It’s vital to shift correctly and stay within a comfortable gear range when riding a motorcycle. In that case, don’t release the bike’s clutch lever suddenly. Instead, do it smoothly as its speed increases.
Generally, the more comfortable you are at using the gears, the safer you become.
4. Maintain Safety Speeds
Riding at a safe speed comes with many benefits. First, it offers you ample time to react when you face a potential hazard. Secondly, it allows you to maneuver through the traffic more calmly, which improves your safety.
5. Ride According to Your Ability and Skills
While it’s tempting to try some moves with a motorcycle when a beginner, it often leads to personal injuries. So, try to avoid tricks that could cause you harm.
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