A 26-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a PMV-4 mishap 26 October 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 1030 local. The Soldier was operating his vehicle with a passenger when they collided with a fuel truck. The Colorado Springs police and fire departments responded to the scene. The passenger was transported to the local hospital for treatment, where their current status or prognosis is unknown. Speed is suspected to be a causal factor. The involvement of alcohol or seat belt use are currently unknown.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the first PMV-4 fatality of FY25 and less to the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety tip

Top 10 Tips to Avoid Distractions While Driving

• Fully focus on driving. Do not let anything divert your attention, actively scan the road, use your mirrors and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Store loose gear, possessions and other distractions that could roll around in the car, so you do not feel tempted to reach for them on the floor or the seat.
• Make adjustments before you get underway. This includes adjusting your seat, mirrors and climate controls before hitting the road. Also, decide on your route and check traffic conditions ahead of time.
• Finish getting ready at home – instead of once you get on the road.
• Snack smart. If possible, eat meals or snacks before or after your trip, not while driving. On the road, avoid messy foods that can be difficult to manage.
• Secure children and pets before getting underway. If they need your attention, pull off the road safely to care for them. Reaching into the backseat can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Put aside your cell phone. Never text, read email, play video games or scroll the internet or social media while driving.
• If you have passengers, let them be your co-pilot so you can focus safely on driving.
• If another activity demands your attention, instead of trying to attempt it while driving, pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place. To avoid temptation, turn your phone off or store it somewhere you cannot reach it before heading out.
• As a general rule, if you cannot devote your full attention to driving because of some other activity, it’s a distraction. Take care of it before or after your trip, not while behind the wheel.

Tips provided by AAA.