PLR 24-060 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life
A 29-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Cavazos, Texas, died in a PMV-2 mishap in Killeen, Texas, at local. The Soldier was riding from a pool hall to his home when he was struck by a vehicle at an intersection. The Killeen Police Department (KPD) responded and transported him to the local emergency room, where he was pronounced dead. The Soldier was not wearing personal protective equipment, registered as a motorcycle rider or had a record of motorcycle safety training. Speed and the alcohol involvement are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the KPD to release its final report.
Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 23rd off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.
Safety tip
- Utilize road awareness and effective riding strategies:
- Implement the SEE system (Search, Evaluate, Execute) for heightened road awareness.
- Be extra alert at intersections, on side streets, near driveways and in parking lots.
- Give yourself space and time as you search for traps and escape paths.
- Give other motorists time and space to respond to you.
- Use lane positioning to see and be seen.
- Search for vehicles that may turn across your path, especially at intersections.
- Use your turn signals for all turns and lane changes.
- Ride as if you’re invisible.
- Don’t ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Know and follow the rules of the road.
- Utilizing techniques for increasing your visibility to others and enhancing your ability to see other road users are vital for safety, especially at intersections.
- Always wear the mandatory gear for riders:
- A helmet manufactured to meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or Snell standards
- Eye protection that meets ANSI code Z87.1
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirt
- Sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear
- Full-fingered gloves
- Use bright clothing and a light-colored helmet to increase the chances of being seen.
- Always dress for a crash as well as for the ride.
- Legal responsibilities: Understand your legal responsibilities, which cover licensing requirements and the necessity of having insurance. Adhering to these legalities ensures a safe and lawful riding experience.
- Train to ride safe: The Progressive Motorcycle Program training provides courses that are designed to keep motorcycle operator training current and to sustain or enrich rider skills. Riders must learn and adopt the basic and advanced skills of straight-line riding, turning, clutch/throttle control, shifting and stopping, cornering, swerving and emergency braking.
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