X

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 24-065 – PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-4

A Private First Class assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in a PMV-4 mishap in Lakewood, Washington, at local. Two Soldiers were involved in a vehicle accident when their vehicle ran off the road and struck a tree. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) responded and pronounced Soldier No. 1 (driver) dead at the scene. Soldier No. 2 (passenger) was transported to the local hospital with non-fatal injuries. WSP suspects excessive speed was a contributing factor and Soldier No. 2 was wearing a seat belt. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the WSP to release its final report.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 28th fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Dangers of Speeding
For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. In 2022, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities.

Speed also affects your safety even when you are driving at the speed limit but too fast for road conditions, such as during bad weather, when a road is under repair or in an area at night that isn’t well lit.

Speeding endangers not only the life of the speeder, but all of the people on the road around them, including law enforcement officers. It is a problem we all need to help solve.

By the Numbers
More than 12,000 people were killed in speed-related crashes in 2021 – an 8% increase from 2020. While drivers of all ages are represented in speeding-related crashes, data shows about 24% of drivers 18-44 involved in fatal crashes were speeding, and young men are the most likely to be speeding at the time of fatal crashes. In 2021, 35% of male drivers 15-20 and 31% of male drivers 21-24 involved in fatal crashes were speeding.

Know the Dangers of Speeding
No matter how advanced your driving skills are, speeding is dangerous. Speeding:

  • Reduces your ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object or an unexpected curve;
  • Extends the time it takes your vehicle to stop; and
  • Increases the risk of a crash because other vehicles and pedestrians may not be able to judge your distance correctly.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/speeding-catches-up-with-you
Tips provided by CDC and NHSTA.

 

 

PLR 24-062 – PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-4

A 45-year-old Major assigned to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, died in an off-duty PMV-4 mishap in Greenfield, Wisconsin, at local. The Soldier was reportedly involved in a vehicle collision while on PCS leave. The specific circumstances of the mishap are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for law enforcement to release its final report.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 27th off-duty PMV-4 mishap of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

 

 

PLR 24-059 - PMV-4 Mishap Claims Two Soldiers' Lives

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-4

Two Specialists assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in a PMV-4 mishap in Pierce County, Washington, at local. Three Soldiers were riding in a vehicle when another vehicle traveling on the wrong side of the highway struck them head-on. Soldier No. 1 (driver) and Soldier No. 2 (passenger) sustained fatal injuries. Soldier No. 3 sustained non-fatal injuries. According to the Washington State Patrol, it was suspected the operator of the other vehicle was driving under the influence. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including the Soldiers use of seat belts, or speed are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for law enforcement to release its final report.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 25th and 26th off-duty PMV-4 fatalities of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, wrong-way accidents contributed to an average of 400 traffic deaths per year in a recent six-year period.

Stay Calm and Avoid Making Any Sudden Movements
If you see a wrong-way driver coming toward you, stay calm and avoid making any sudden movements like swerving. This will help you maintain control of your vehicle and avoid an accident and could help you make a safer decision about what to do next.

Move to the Right
If you can, safely move your vehicle to the right-hand side of the road. This will give the wrong-way driver more room to pass and may help avoid a collision. You may be worried about damaging your car by running over a curb, but taking decisive action to get completely out of the wrong-way driver’s path is the most important thing for you to focus on.

Drive Defensively
Even if you follow all these tips, there is still a chance you could be involved in an accident with a wrong-way driver. Drive defensively at all times and be mindful of the possibility that a wrong-way driver could enter your path. Be extra cautious when driving at night or during periods of low visibility, as this is when wrong-way accidents are most likely to occur.

Do Not Swerve
Swerving out of the way of a wrong-way driver can actually put you in more danger. You could lose control of your vehicle or end up in oncoming traffic. Instead, slow down and come to a stop if possible, making sure that there are no pedestrians, cyclists or others on the road who may be at risk of being struck by your vehicle as you attempt to move to safety.

Use Your Horn
Use your horn to warn the wrong-way driver that they are coming toward you. If they do not respond, you can flash your headlights at them as well. However, it is important that you do not rely on this tactic to stay safe because if the driver does not realize they are going the wrong way, your horn or flashing lights may do little or nothing to make them realize their mistake. The hope, though, is that the wrong-way driver is simply confused and not aware that they are going the wrong way. Your lights and horn may help them realize their mistake and get them back onto the right side of the road.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Pay attention to your surroundings at all times when you are driving. This will help you spot a wrong-way driver before they get too close to you. It is important for all drivers to keep their attention and focus on the road, including farther down the road, to hopefully notice something dangerous like a driver heading in the wrong lane and act quickly without needing to make a split-second decision. Always be alert for signs that indicate a wrong-way driver may be present, such as headlights coming towards you in your traffic lane.

Look For an Escape Route
If you see a wrong-way driver coming toward you, look for an escape route. This could be a side street or a parking lot. If you can, get out of the way of the wrong-way driver before they get to you. Being aware of your surroundings and staying mindful of what is at the farthest point in the road you can see will buy you valuable time to recognize the dangerous situation, slow your vehicle, and move to the escape route without swerving or putting others in additional danger.

Call 911
If you can safely do so, call 911 and report the wrong-way driver. Give them as much information as possible, such as where you are, where you saw the driver enter the highway, and what direction they are heading. Alerting the authorities quickly can help save lives and ensure that everyone is safe. Never assume that someone else has called. DO NOT try to follow the driver or stop them — leave it to the professionals.

 

 

PLR 24-055 - PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-4

A 19-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Wainwright, Alaska, died in a PMV-4 mishap 18 May 2024 at 0615 local. Two Soldiers were returning from Anchorage, Alaska, on their way to Fairbanks when the vehicle veered off the road and overturned. Soldier No. 2 (passenger) was ejected from the vehicle. Emergency medical services arrived and pronounced Soldier No. 2 dead at the scene. Soldier No. 1 (driver) was evacuated to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. Seat belt use is currently unknown.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 24th fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

 

Safety tip

One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. Many Americans understand the lifesaving value of the seat belt – the national use rate was at 91.9% in 2023.

In 2022, 25,420 passenger vehicle occupants were killed. About 50% of those killed were not buckled (based on known seat belt use).

Seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives and could have saved an additional 2,549 people, if they had been wearing seat belts, in 2017 alone.

 

The consequences of not wearing, or improperly wearing a seat belt are clear:

  1. Buckling up helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle, whereas not buckling up can result in being totally ejected from the vehicle in a crash, which is almost always deadly.
  2. Air bags are not enough to protect you; in fact, the force of an air bag can seriously injure or even kill you if you’re not buckled up.
  3. Improperly wearing a seat belt, such as putting the strap below your arm, puts you and your children at risk in a crash.

The benefits of buckling up are equally clear:

  1. If you buckle up in the front seat of a passenger car, you can reduce your risk of:
    • Fatal injury by 45% (Kahane, 2015)
    • Moderate to critical injury by 50%

  2. If you buckle up in a light truck, you can reduce your risk of:
    • Fatal injury by 60% (Kahane, 2015)
    • Moderate to critical injury by 65% (NHTSA, 1984)
    • The Top 4 Things You Should Know About Buckling Up

  3. Guidelines to buckle up safely
    • The lap belt and shoulder belt are secured across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body.
    • Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck.
    • The lap belt rests across your hips, not your stomach.
    • NEVER put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.

  4. Fit matters
    • Before you buy a new car, check to see that its seat belts are a good fit for you.
    • Ask your dealer about seat belt adjusters, which can help you get the best fit.
    • If you need a roomier belt, contact your vehicle manufacturer to obtain seat belt extenders.
    • If you drive an older or classic car with lap belts only, check with your vehicle manufacturer about how to retrofit your car with today’s safer lap/shoulder belts.
    • In a rollover, there is a five-fold increased risk of mortality if the occupant is ejected during the crash. It was also suggested that the fatality rate could be reduced by 70% by effective controlling of ejection in a rollover.
 

Despite widespread use of seat belts and electronic stability control, injuries and fatalities due to occupant ejection in rollover crashes remain a significant problem. Completely ejected occupants make up half of all fatalities resulting from rollover crashes. Compared to occupants who remain in the vehicle, the risk of serious injury is increased by a factor of 20 and the risk of fatality is increased by a factor of 91 in occupants who are completely ejected during a rollover crash.

Based on the physics of occupant ejection, any factor that increases the restraining force acting on the occupant or decreases the centripetal force required to stay inside the vehicle has the potential to reduce the risk of ejection. For example, it has long been recognized that seat belt use virtually eliminates that risk of complete ejection in any kind of crash because the seat belt is capable of applying very high levels of restraining force. Seat belt use also reduces the risk of partial ejection, although it does not eliminate it.

Tips provide by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Library of Medicine.


 

 

PLR 24-051 - PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-4
A 47-year-old Active Guard Reserve Sergeant First Class assigned to the Army National Guard, Hammond, Louisiana, died in a PMV-4 mishap 28 December 2023 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, at 0730 local. The Soldier was driving his vehicle to work when he lost control and impacted a guardrail. He then traveled back onto the roadway before crossing the centerline into the opposing lane, striking a Jeep head-on. The Louisiana State Police (LSP) responded and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The Soldier was properly restrained; however, it is unknown if speed was a contributing factor. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for LSP to release its final report.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 23rd fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Focus is key while driving. Distractions can cause even the most experienced drivers to make dangerous mistakes.

Secure Your Cargo

Be sure to put all of your cargo in a secure place in your car. Reaching for loose belongings is dangerous; it takes your hands off the wheel and often takes your eyes off the road. Make sure all of your belongings are firmly held in place.

Tips for Preventing Speeding
 
  • Know the Limits: Familiarize yourself with speed limits in different areas and follow them strictly.

  • Plan Ahead: Leave early to avoid rushing and the temptation to speed.

  • Use Cruise Control: Use cruise control on highways to maintain a consistent speed and avoid unintentional acceleration.

  • Stay Focused: Minimize distractions, such as texting, eating or setting your GPS, while driving to maintain focus on the road.

  • Regular Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is well maintained, including brakes and tires, to optimize safety and performance.

  • Drive Defensively: Anticipate potential hazards and adjust your speed accordingly, especially in adverse weather conditions or on unfamiliar roads.

  • The Deadly Consequences of High-Speed Driving

    One undeniable fact demonstrates the importance of following speed limits: the faster you're driving, the more likely you are to be killed in a crash. Here's why:

    Acceleration and Deceleration Forces: During a crash, the vehicle experiences rapid acceleration or deceleration, causing occupants to move forward or backward forcefully. Higher speeds result in greater forces, increasing the risk of injury.

    Inertia: Newton's First Law states that an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. In a crash, occupants continue moving at the vehicle's speed until stopped by a seat belt, air bag or other interior structure. The faster the vehicle is traveling, the greater the inertia. This leads to more severe injuries upon sudden deceleration.

    Increased Impact Forces: As speed increases, so does the force of impact in a collision. The energy involved in a crash grows exponentially with speed. This means that even small increases in speed can dramatically impact the severity of injuries to occupants.

    Reduced Reaction Time: Higher speeds reduce the time available for drivers to react to hazards on the road. A split-second delay in recognizing and responding to a potential danger can make the difference between a near miss and a catastrophic collision.

    Decreased Control: Driving at high speeds reduces a driver's ability to maintain control of the vehicle, especially in adverse weather conditions or on winding roads. Loss of control at high speeds can lead to loss of vehicle stability, rollovers and more severe crashes.

    Incompatibility with Crash Safety Systems: Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash. However, these systems are less effective at higher speeds, as the forces involved may exceed their protective capabilities.

    Increased Risk of Ejection: High-speed crashes are more likely to result in ejection of vehicle occupants, significantly increasing the risk of serious or fatal injuries.

    Impact on Pedestrians and Cyclists: Higher speeds also pose a greater risk to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. The likelihood of a pedestrian or cyclist being killed in a collision with a vehicle increases substantially as the speed of the vehicle increases.

    By recognizing the lethal consequences of high-speed driving, drivers can make informed choices to prioritize safety on the road. Adhering to posted speed limits, adjusting speed for road and weather conditions and avoiding aggressive driving behaviors can all help reduce the risk of serious injury or death for everyone sharing the road. Remember, arriving safely is always more important than arriving quickly.

    The Relationship between Vehicle Speed and Crash Severity

    Think about the difference between jumping off a curb, a chair or the roof of a house. Physics explains the powerful relationship between vehicles speeds and the severity of crashes.

    The relationship between speed and severity is not linear. The outcomes quickly become more dangerous for drivers and passengers. Even with seat belts, air bags and other safety features, here’s what happens as vehicle speed increases:




    •  
  •  
  • From 40 to 50 mph, the chances of death double.

  • From 50 to 60 mph, the chances of death double again.

  • When impact speeds are over 50 mph, expect a fatality in half of the cases.

  • When impact speeds are over 70 mph, chances of death are nearly 100%.

  • Tips provide by AARP, Department of Motor Vehicles and Michelin.com

 

 
1345678910Last