PLR 24-074 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life
A 21-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, died in a PMV-2 mishap in Junction City, Kansas, at local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle on I-70 when he was involved in a head-on collision with a semi-truck in a construction zone. Local police and emergency services responded and pronounced him dead at the scene. He recently returned from a rotation in Europe and had not attended the motorcycle refresher course. He was properly licensed, wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment and had completed the Basic RiderCourse in . Speed or alcohol involvement are currently unknown.
Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 28th PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and below the number of fatalities for the same time last year.
Safety tip
Motorcycle refresher training (MRT). MRT is required for any (motorcycle-licensed and endorsed) Soldier owning a motorcycle and returning from a deployment greater than 180 days. A Soldier must attend MRT prior to operating his or her motorcycle on a public or private street or highway with the exception of riding to the training site or location. MRT will be conducted on the individual’s own motorcycle to confirm ability to safely handle his or her motorcycle. Training will be provided at the unit level utilizing USACRC MRT digital video disk (DVD), which is available online at https://safety.army.mil or by request. Based on MRT performance, commanders can refer motorcycle riders back to the Progressive Motorcycle Program for re-training if they question the operator’s safe riding skills.
Improve Your Motorcycling Skills and Safety with Training
Motorcycling is a unique experience. Whether you ride to and from work, prefer the camaraderie of a group ride on the weekend or enjoy the vistas of an off-pavement excursion, motorcycling engages all your senses and creates an exhilarating sense of freedom.
Along with that freedom comes responsibility, and it's crucial to take every safety precaution.
All states require some form of license to ride a motorcycle on the street, demonstrating a minimum level of riding skill and knowledge. Liability insurance also is required. If your state does not require a hands-on training course before applying for a license, consider taking one anyway to learn basic riding skills and how to stay safe in traffic.
Riding a motorcycle requires a heightened sense of awareness, and more strength and coordination than driving a car. Riding also involves some risks not encountered when driving other vehicles. Motorcycle riders require more maneuvering skill and are more vulnerable in a crash. Motorcycles are not as easily seen as cars or trucks because of their narrow profile. Other motorists, particularly those who don’t ride a motorcycle, may not be looking for motorcycles in traffic. This places the motorcyclist at risk, particularly at intersections.
All these risks can be managed through training and education.
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