A Specialist assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a motorcycle mishap 12 July 2025 in Wendell, North Carolina, at 1930 local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died. The Soldier reportedly completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse in September and was wearing a helmet at the time of the mishap. Additional information is currently unavailable.  

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 25th motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

How Can Motorcyclists Stay Safe on the Road?

• Gear Up for Safety. Proper protective gear serves as your first line of defense. A DOT-compliant helmet is essential, but don’t stop there. Wear abrasion-resistant jackets, pants, gloves and over-the-ankle boots.
• Increase Your Visibility. Visibility plays a key role in motorcycle safety. Wear bright, reflective clothing, especially at night. Add reflective tape to your helmet and bike. Use your headlights, even during the day. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends you position yourself in the lane where other drivers are most likely to see you.
• Master Defensive Driving Techniques. Assume other drivers don’t see you and always plan an escape route. Keep a safe following distance — at least four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This gives you time to react to sudden changes. Constantly scan the road ahead, looking for potential hazards like debris, potholes or distracted drivers.
• Maintain Focus and Sobriety. Distracted riding poses as much danger as distracted driving. Never use your phone while riding. Avoid riding when you’re tired, angry or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep Your Bike in Top Shape. Regular maintenance isn’t just about keeping your bike running smoothly — it’s about keeping you alive. Check your tires, brakes, lights and fluids before every ride. Pay attention to any unusual noises or handling issues.

How Can Automobile Drivers Protect Motorcyclists?

• Check Blind Spots Thoroughly. Motorcycles are smaller than cars, making them easy to miss in blind spots. Develop a habit of checking your blind spots before changing lanes or merging.
• Keep a Safe Distance. Provide motorcycles with ample space on the road. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation says a two-second cushion of space in front of you is the minimum for a safe following distance. This extra space creates a safety cushion, allowing both you and the motorcyclist more time to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.
• Use Turn Signals Early. Activate your turn signals well in advance of any lane change or turn. This gives motorcyclists time to anticipate your movements and adjust accordingly.
• Make Smooth Movements. Avoid abrupt lane changes or turns, which can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. Plan your route in advance and execute smooth, predictable movements. If you need to change lanes or turn unexpectedly, take extra time to ensure it’s safe to do so.
• Be Extra Cautious at Intersections. Intersections are high-risk areas for motorcycle-car collisions. When approaching an intersection, look twice for motorcycles before proceeding. Exercise special vigilance when making left turns, as this is a common scenario for motorcycle-car crashes.

Tips provided by Impact Attorneys.com, Society of Automotive Engineers, Motorcycle Safety Foundation and NHTSA