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Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

About Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

PLRs are intended to be used as an engagement tool for leaders to discuss the hazards and trends impacting Soldier safety and readiness. A PLR contains only basic information, as the investigation is ongoing, but provides sufficient background to allow leaders an opportunity to communicate risk at the Soldier level.

 

PLR 25-059 - Motorcycle Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles

A 25-year-old First Lieutenant assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a motorcycle mishap 11 June 2025 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 1940 local. The Soldier collided with a vehicle he was attempting to pass when it made a right turn. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Information regarding the use of personal protective equipment, speed, training and potential factors such as alcohol or drug use is currently unavailable.  

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 18th motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

 

 

PLR 25-051 – Motorcycle Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles

A 24-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in a motorcycle mishap in El Paso, Texas, at local. The Soldier recently purchased the motorcycle without notifying his command or registering it with the unit. Additionally, he had not completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse. The Soldier was wearing a helmet; however, information regarding the use of other personal protective equipment, speed and potential factors such as alcohol or drug use is currently unavailable. 

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 17th motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

  • Never exceed the speed limit or ride beyond your capabilities.
  • Always maintain an appropriate speed relative to the road conditions.
  • Wear protective gear, such as helmets and proper clothing.
  • Obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits and lane markings.
  • Ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room between your bike and other vehicles.
  • Stay focused on the road.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Watch out for pedestrians.
  • Anticipate the actions of other drivers.
  • Use your turn signals to alert other drivers of your movements.
  • Check your blind spots before changing lanes or making turns.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 35% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in in the U.S. were speeding, compared to 22% for passenger car drivers, 15% for light-truck drivers and 6% for large-truck drivers. To date in FY25, 56% of all fatal motorcycle mishaps in the Army involved speeding.



PLR 25-050 – Motorcycle Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles

A 28-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a motorcycle mishap in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle at an intersection. He recently purchased the bike without informing his command, did not have a motorcycle endorsement on his driver's license and had not completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse. 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 16th motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

A valid Colorado motorcycle license or endorsement is required to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads in Colorado. Operating a motorcycle without a valid license is illegal and can result in penalties.

Per Army Regulation 385-10:

Prior to operating any two- or three-wheeled vehicle that requires the operator to be licensed with a motorcycle endorsement in the state or host nation, Soldiers will successfully complete the Basic RiderCourse. Training may be accomplished on a contractor-provided motorcycle or the individual’s own motorcycle. If approved by the commander, the Soldier may ride a motorcycle to the training site or location.

There is a significant link between motorcycle fatalities and lack of training, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A substantial percentage of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes are unlicensed or lack formal training. Specifically, NHTSA reports that 34% of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes in were riding without valid motorcycle licenses. Additionally, 92% of motorcycle accidents involve drivers who did not complete formal motorcycle safety training.

 

 

PLR 25-046 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles

A 20-year-old Corporal assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at local. The Soldier was operating his recently purchased motorcycle when he lost control while entering a curve and departed the roadway. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and found the Soldier unresponsive. He was transported to Cape Fear Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Soldier had completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic Rider Course. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 15th PMV-2 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.


Know the Common Dangers of Night Riding

  • Poor visibility
  • Road damage and debris
  • Animals
  • Drivers under the influence
  • Drowsiness
  • Weather
  • Fog

9 Tips for Safe Night Riding

  1. Avoid looking directly into headlights
  2. Avoid risky riding practices
  3. Avoid tinted visors
  4. Ensure your lights Are functioning
  5. Refrain from using substances
  6. Use high-visibility clothing and gear
  7. Use reflective tape and decals
  8. Maintain a safe driving distance
  9. Leverage other vehicles’ lights

Tips provided by Cycle Trader.

 

 

PLR 25-045 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles
A Private First Class assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a PMV-2 mishap 2 May 2025 in Clarksville, Tennessee, at 0031 local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle when the mishap occurred. First responders arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene. Personal protective equipment use, training, speed and alcohol or drug involvement are currently unknown. No additional information is currently available.    

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 14th PMV-2 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

 

Nighttime Riding Key Risks:

 

  • Reduced Visibility: Harder for others to see you, and your own vision is limited.
  • Impaired Drivers: Higher risk of encountering drunk or drugged drivers (32% of 2020 fatalities involved alcohol).
  • Animals: Increased animal activity, especially during summer/fall.
  • Drowsiness: Night riding can be tiring and impair reaction time.

 

10 Essential Safety Tips

 

  1. Be Aware: Understand the amplified dangers of nighttime riding.
  2. Check Lights: Ensure all motorcycle lights are functioning correctly.
  3. Use High Beams: When safe, utilize high beams to maximize visibility.
  4. Avoid Direct Headlight Glare: Look at the road's edge, not directly at oncoming lights.
  5. Optimize Eyewear: Use yellow-tinted, photochromic or clear visors/glasses for night riding.
  6. Clear Visor: Keep your helmet visor clean for optimal clarity.
  7. Maximize Visibility: Wear bright/reflective clothing and consider reflective tape/lights on your bike.
  8. Utilize Other Vehicles’ Lights: Scan ahead using headlights of cars in front of you.
  9. Increase Following Distance: Allow more space and time to react.
  10. Take Breaks: Combat fatigue with frequent breaks, caffeine or snacks. Watch for signs of drowsiness/highway hypnosis.

 

Important Reminders

 

  • Know Your Laws: Check state laws regarding nighttime motorcycle operation.
  • Ride Sober: Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • SEESM: Employ the Search, Evaluate, Execute and safety margin strategy.
  • Wear a Helmet: A DOT-approved helmet is crucial for safety.  

 

 

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