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Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

MEDIA Preliminary Loss Reports

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 25-070 - Motorcycle Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Automobiles

A Specialist assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, died in a motorcycle mishap 5 July 2025 in Richmond Hill, Georgia, at 1500 local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle when a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction turned in front of him, causing a collision. Emergency medical services transported the Soldier to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The incident is under investigation and further details are currently unavailable.  

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 20th motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Motorcycle safety tips for vehicles turning left in front of you:

  • Take a second look to make sure it is safe to proceed.
  • Slow down and maintain control of the motorcycle.
  • Allow adequate space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
  • Treat any left-turning vehicle as an immediate threat.
  • Stay in your lane and not make an unsafe last-minute lane change.
  • Remain idle until it is safe to proceed.
  • Do not proceed to turn until all pedestrians and oncoming vehicles and motorcycles are clear.

Tips provided by the NSC, NHTSA and GTSC New York.

 

 

PLR 25-068 - Automobile Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Automobiles

A 19-year-old Specialist assigned to the Iowa Army National Guard died in an automobile mishap 2 July 2025 near Mount Pleasant, Iowa, at 1250 local. The Soldier had returned to Iowa following duty at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and was headed home when the mishap occurred. Additional information is currently unavailable. 

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 24th automobile fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year. 

Safety Tips

Stay Alert on the Road: 8 Effective Tips to Fight Driver Fatigue

  1. Get a good night's sleep before starting your journey.
  2. Take regular breaks.
  3. Avoid driving during peak sleepiness hours.
  4. Stay hydrated and eat light.
  5. Listen to upbeat music or audiobooks.
  6. Utilize proper ventilation.
  7. Exercise before you drive.
  8. Avoid medications that cause drowsiness.

Here are some tips to reduce distracted driving:

  • Do not multitask. Finish eating, drinking and grooming before you turn on your car. Program your audio and navigation systems before you start to drive.
  • Turn off your phone and place it out of reach when you get in the driver's seat.
  • Never text while driving, even when you are stopped in traffic or at a traffic light.
  • If you must send or receive a call or text, pull over to a safe location and park your car first.
  • Avoid using any device that may take your attention away from the task of driving.  

 

 

PLR 25-065 – Automobile Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Automobiles

A 25-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Eisenhower, Georgia, died in an automobile mishap 14 June 2025 near Lugoff, South Carolina, at 2145 local. The Soldier was driving in the wrong direction on a highway and collided with another vehicle. Additional information is currently unavailable.  

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 23rd automobile fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Head-on motor vehicle collisions are deadly. In 2019, they were responsible for nearly 30% of the 16,700 U.S. roadway deaths that resulted from crashes with other vehicles, according to the National Safety Council. You can help prevent a potential head-on collision using these safety tips.

  • Know Your Route: Before you start driving, use navigation apps or maps to familiarize yourself with the route, especially for unfamiliar areas.
  • Double-Check Your Navigation: If you rely on navigation apps, double-check that the route displayed on your device matches the road signs. GPS devices can occasionally provide incorrect information, so always use them as a supplementary tool rather than as your sole source of guidance.
  • Pay Attention to Road Signs: Look for and obey "Wrong Way" or "Do Not Enter" signs, which are designed to alert drivers to dangerous situations.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions like using your phone or other in-car distractions while driving. Distractions contribute significantly to driving errors. If unsure of your location or direction, safely pull over to assess your route.
  • Use On-Ramps Correctly: Always use the designated on-ramp when entering an interstate. Carefully follow the directions indicated by all on-ramp signage.
  • Be Mindful of One-Way Streets: Some cities have one-way streets leading to interstate entrances. Be aware of the traffic flow on these streets and follow the directional arrows. If you find yourself on a one-way street that doesn't align with your intended direction, look for alternative routes.
  • Use Rest Areas and Service Plazas: If you're uncertain about your route, consider taking advantage of rest areas or service plazas. These areas often have maps and information about the surrounding highways. Take a moment to review your route and ask for assistance if needed.  

 

 

PLR 25-063 - Automobile Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Automobiles

A 41-year-old First Sergeant assigned to U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Phoenix, Arizona, died in an automobile mishap 19 May 2025 near Tucson, Arizona, at 0130 local. The Soldier's vehicle was rear-ended by an SUV on the interstate, pushing it into the path of a box truck. Arizona Department of Public Safety officers responded to the scene and transported the Soldier to a local hospital, where he died. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 22nd automobile fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.   

Safety Tips

  1. Maintain a Safe Following Distance: While the three-second rule is more for maintaining distance while driving, it also translates to a safe following distance when stopping. Increase this distance in adverse weather or when driving behind large vehicles. When stopping behind another vehicle, you should stop far enough back to see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you touching the ground. This provides a safety buffer in case you need to maneuver around the vehicle or if you are rear-ended and pushed forward.
  2. Be Mindful of Tailgaters: If you notice someone is tailgating you, try to create more space by gradually slowing down and encouraging them to pass. Do not brake hard to try and scare them off, as this could lead to a collision.
  3. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions: Minimize distractions like texting, eating or using your phone. Pay attention to your surroundings, including the vehicles ahead and behind.
  4. Scan Your Surroundings: Look far ahead of your vehicle to anticipate potential hazards, such as stopped or slow-moving traffic, pedestrians or merging vehicles. This allows you to react early and avoid sudden stops that could lead to a rear-end collision.
  5. Use Turn Signals Early and Clearly: Signal your intentions well in advance when changing lanes or turning. This gives other drivers ample time to react and adjust their driving accordingly.
  6. Brake Gradually: Avoid sudden stops whenever possible. Slowing down gradually allows the driver behind you more time to react and avoid a collision.
  7. Check Your Mirrors Frequently: Regularly check your rearview and side mirrors to monitor traffic behind you. This helps you stay aware of vehicles that might be too close or approaching too fast.
  8. Be Cautious in Adverse Conditions: Increase your following distance and reduce your speed in rain, snow or fog.
  9. Ensure Your Brake Lights are Working: Always make sure your brake lights are functioning correctly to alert other drivers when you are slowing down or stopping.
  10. Scan for an Escape Path: If you anticipate a potential rear-end collision, look for a safe place to move to the side of the road or shoulder to avoid being pushed into other traffic.

Tips provided by NHTSA.  

 

 

PLR 25-062 - Automobile Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Automobiles

A 19-year-old Private Second Class assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, died in an automobile mishap 15 February 2025 in Williamson County, Texas, at 2330 local. The Soldier was negotiating a right-hand curve when his vehicle's rear tires lost traction. He overcorrected, causing the right-front fender to strike a guardrail. The vehicle rotated 180 degrees and continued into a grassy median, where it struck a center cable barrier. An off-duty police officer witnessed the mishap and called 911. Emergency services arrived and found the Soldier dead.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 21st automobile fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.  

Safety Tips

To ensure the safety of drivers and the public, drivers should follow these essential tips when navigating curves:

  • Slow Down: Reduce your speed before entering a curve. This simple step allows for better control and increased reaction time.
  • Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Leave ample space between your vehicle and the one ahead. This provides a cushion for unexpected events and ensures you have room to maneuver.
  • Stay in Your Lane: Always stay within your designated lane while navigating curves. Crossing into other lanes increases the risk of collisions with oncoming traffic.
  • Steer Smoothly: Gradually steer through the curve, avoiding sudden or jerky movements. Smooth steering helps maintain traction and control.
  • Avoid Sudden Braking: Abrupt braking can lead to skidding or loss of control. If you need to brake, do so gently and preferably before entering the curve.
  • Look Ahead: Focus your gaze on the road ahead and anticipate the curve’s path. This allows you to make adjustments in advance and spot potential hazards.
  • Adjust for Conditions: Reduce speed even further in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow or fog. Adjust your driving to match the road’s condition.
  • Practice Defensive Driving: Embrace defensive driving techniques, such as maintaining a 360-degree awareness of your surroundings, anticipating other drivers’ actions and always being prepared to react to unexpected situations.
 

 
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