A 25-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in a PMV-4 mishap 10 February 2024 in Harnett County, North Carolina, at 0430 local. The Soldier was traveling more than 100 mph when he crossed the centerline in a right-hand curve and struck a tree on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Local law enforcement and emergency medical services responded and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The Soldier was wearing a seat belt. It is currently unknown if alcohol was a contributing factor. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for law enforcement to release its final report.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 13th fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Preventing Car Accidents on Dangerous Curves

Posted Warning Signs to Prevent Accidents
Most drivers are cautious and alert while driving; however, a driver may underestimate the risk posed by a curve in the road. To prevent a potential accident, signs are posted near dangerous curves.

• Curve and Corner Signs – A yellow-colored sign to warn drivers of a dangerous curve on the road ahead. These signs depict an illustration of the curve itself along with the most suitable speed for the vehicle to safely negotiate the curve.
• Chevron Arrows – Chevron arrows comprise a series of signs set up along the actual location of the curve. These signs start before the curve itself and show the direction of the curve.

Curve Awareness to Prevent Accidents

1. Be aware of the danger posed by a curve in the road. Whenever vehicles pass through a curve, the tires of the vehicle move forward due to acceleration and inertia. These opposing movements may cause the vehicle to skid, posing a danger to both the vehicle and the driver.
2. Reducing the speed of the vehicle when negotiating a curve along the road may prevent an accident. The road signs should serve as a warning to slow down before reaching the curve.
3. Avoid over-turning the wheel. When passing through the curve, move the vehicle along the edge of the lane opposite to the direction of the curve. For example, a vehicle should stay along the right of the lane in a left-curving road. This reduces the sharpness of the curve and reduces the chances of skidding.
4. Remain alert while passing through these curves. Be aware of drivers coming from the opposite direction.
5. Increase your speed only after you have passed the curve safely.

Tips provided by The Law Firm of Zappettini and Bradley.