A 24-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a Government Motor Vehicle mishap while deployed at Camp Croft, Hungary, around local. During a vehicle movement, the third vehicle did not arrive at the destination. Following a search, the vehicle was found overturned, and all five Soldiers on board were injured. Three Soldiers were treated at the camp aid station, and two Soldiers were transported to a local hospital, where one of the Soldiers was pronounced dead. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is leading an investigation into the mishap.
Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of five Soldiers a year to Government Motor Vehicle mishaps. This mishap was the eighth Government Motor Vehicle fatality of FY25 and more than the number of fatalities for the same time last year.
Safety Tips
Driver Training: Ensure all drivers are properly trained in convoy procedures and emergency response protocols. Leaders must emphasize driver training and ensure drivers and vehicle commanders are trained and licensed and all crewmembers are familiar with conducting the egress/rollover procedure IAW TM 9-2320-462-10.
Vehicle Inspection: Conduct a thorough vehicle inspection before departure, including checking tires, brakes and lights and ensuring all loads are properly secured. Also conduct PCCs, PCIs and drills.
Route Planning: Establish a planned route, including potential hazards and alternate routes. Conduct reconnaissance to identify potential threats and hazards along the route.
Convoy Briefing: Convoy briefs must be conducted to ensure all members of the convoy understand the mission objectives, route details and potential hazards. Ensure your convoy brief addresses control measures to mitigate hazards identified in your risk assessment, such as vehicle restraint use, speed limits, terrain, road conditions and safe following distances. The Joint Risk Assessment Tool (JRAT) provides numerous potential subtasks, hazards and control measures associated with vehicle operations.
Safely Stow Equipment: Ensure equipment is stowed outside the ISV Rollover Protection System (ROPS) and on the sides of the vehicle. This will assist in the event of a rollover, where the gear stowed externally to the vehicle will be forced inside the silhouette formed by the ROPS. Gear that is stowed internally or on top could impact the Soldiers. If gear and equipment enter the survival space during a rollover, it may compress/crush the head, neck and/or spine of vehicle occupants.
Communication: The convoy commander and vehicle commanders must maintain communication throughout the convoy. Regular check-ins with the lead and rear vehicles are conducted and communication systems are used to report any issues or hazards. Inform personnel of upcoming checkpoints, turns, danger areas and possible threats. Establish clear communication protocols, including radio channels, signal systems (e.g., using lights or horns) and emergency procedures.
PPE: All vehicle occupants must wear personal protective equipment (head, hand, eye, ear and foot protection).
Buckle Up: All occupants must utilize the complete seat belt system and ensure the seat belt is properly fastened and adjusted. A seat belt may keep you in your seat and help you maintain control of the vehicle.
Maintain Safe Spacing: Keep a safe distance between vehicles, allowing for safe braking and maneuvering. Consider increasing spacing on dusty or slippery roads.
Speed: Reduce speeds during turns and other maneuvers. Speeds must be reduced according to weather and road/terrain conditions. Always approach slopes head-on and avoid side slopes whenever possible. Failure to adhere to safety precautions may cause the vehicle to overturn.
Be Alert and Aware: Always pay close attention to the surrounding environment and be aware of potential hazards, such as other vehicles, pedestrians or road debris.
Avoid Fatigue: Take regular breaks and ensure all drivers are rested and alert to avoid fatigue-related accidents.
Handling Obstacles: During operations where the terrain's severity increases, speed must be reduced to ensure the operator can account for obstacles in a timely manner. If an obstacle is encountered, clear it safely if possible. If not, avoid the obstacle or have a ground guide dismount and check for a safe distance. Always follow in the front vehicle’s tracks.
Avoid Splitting Up: Avoid splitting up during convoy operations under any circumstances. The vehicle commander must help maintain the correct route and rate of march IAW convoy commander guidance. The vehicle commander must also alert the convoy commander and other vehicle commanders if there is a probability of a split-up.
JRAT is designed to assist users with creating an automated deliberate risk management worksheet (DD Form 2977) and the application of risk management. Check it out at https://jrat.safety.army.mil.