A 27-year-old First Lieutenant assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in a PMV-4 mishap 25 August 2024 in Thomson, Georgia, at 1944 local. The Soldier was driving his vehicle when he rear-ended a semi-truck that was stopped on the roadway due to a traffic accident. The McDuffie County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Georgia State Highway Patrol and McDuffie County Coroner’s Office responded to the accident scene. EMS attempted lifesaving measures but were unsuccessful. The Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. The specific circumstance of the mishap, including the use of a seat belt, speed or the involvement of alcohol, is currently unknown.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 32nd off-duty PMV-4 mishap of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Focus on driving

Ignoring distractions and maintaining focus on the road is key to driving safely. To keep focused while driving, you should follow these steps:

• Keep 100% of your attention on driving at all times – no multi-tasking.
• Don’t use your phone or any other electronic device while driving.
• Slow down. Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of an accident.

Defensive driving

What is defensive driving? Defensive driving is when motorists use accident-preventing techniques with a focus on driving safely. You may even be eligible for a defensive driving discount. To practice defensive driving:

• Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing and expect the unexpected.
• Assume other motorists will do something crazy and always be prepared to avoid it.
• Keep a 2-second cushion between you and the car in front of you.
• Make that 4 seconds if the weather is bad.

Make a safe driving plan

• Build time into your trip schedule to stop for food, rest breaks, phone calls or other business.
• Adjust your seat, mirrors and climate controls before putting the car in gear.
• Pull over to eat or drink. It takes only a few minutes.

Practice safety

• Secure cargo that may move around while the vehicle is in motion.
• Don’t attempt to retrieve items that fall to the floor.
• Have items needed within easy reach – such as toll fees, toll cards and garage passes.
• Always wear your seat belt and drive sober and drug-free.

Tips provided by Nationwide Insurance, NHTSA and NSC