A Specialist assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in a PMV-4 mishap near the installation 9 March 2024 at 0450 local. Soldier No. 1 was reportedly traveling northbound with Soldier No. 2 as a passenger when he lost control and struck multiple barriers. Soldier No. 1 sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Soldier No. 2 suffered severe burns and was transported to the local Army medical center before being transferred to a higher-level facility for further treatment and evaluation. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, use of seat belt or alcohol, are currently unknown. 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 18th PMV-4 fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Most safe driving skills teach you to remain in control of your vehicle at all times. But that's not always possible.

There are times when even the safest drivers lose control of their vehicle: There might be water or ice or gravel that robs us of control, or a collision might cause us to lose control as well. If we lose control of the vehicle, here's how to stay safe.

What you need to do first

We're making an assumption here that you are already driving safely, which means your seat belt is buckled, your hands are at "nine and three" on the steering wheel, and you're not talking on your cellphone.

When you lose control

Here is what you should do when you lose control:

1. Don't panic. Yes, everyone says you shouldn't panic and it's hard not to panic, but panicking is the most detrimental thing to do. Some people freeze up when they panic, and others overcompensate. Avoid panic and stay calm.
2. Keep your hands on the wheel. When some people panic and lose control of the vehicle, their first reaction is to let go of the wheel. Don't do this! At some point you will regain control of the vehicle and having your hands on the steering wheel will make sure that you are ready.
3. Keep your eyes open. When people panic, another reaction is to close their eyes. Don't do this! Keep your eyes open because as soon as you regain control of your vehicle, you will need to see where you are going.
4. Shift into neutral. When the vehicle is in drive, there is power going to the wheels, even if you aren't accelerating. By shifting into neutral, you are eliminating the power to the wheels.
5. Steer into the skid. Whether you're hydroplaning on water or skidding on ice or gravel, it's usually a good idea to steer into the skid. That is, steer in the direction that the back of your vehicle is trying to go. In most cases, this is the best way to regain control of a vehicle.
6. You don't necessarily have to stop the vehicle; you just have to slow down and straighten the car out to regain your footing.
7. Make sure you drive out of the danger before stopping the vehicle and getting out. Check around you to make sure. For example, other vehicles following you might hit the same hazard that you hit and lose control as well. So, make sure you are well away from danger first.

We should drive in such a way that we stay in control of our vehicles at all times. However, some road conditions will still prevail and keep us from remaining in control. Using the techniques described above, you can avoid additional danger to yourself and regain control of your vehicle.

Note: Offered for informational purposes only from Boyd Autobody.