Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 48-year-old Active Guard Reserve Sergeant First Class assigned to the Army National Guard, Franklin, Indiana, died in a PMV-4 mishap 31 October 2023 in Scottsburg, Indiana, at 1650 local. The Soldier was reportedly traveling south when he lost control of his vehicle, crossed into the northbound lanes and struck a tree. Indiana State Police (ISP) responded after receiving a notification of impact from the Soldier’s personal electronics. The Soldier was transported to the local memorial hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival by the attending physician. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including use of seat belt, speed or alcohol, is currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for ISP 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 sixth fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Nationwide, 52 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths in since 2021 occurred in single-vehicle crashes.

Road crashes are the leading cause of death in the country, resulting in more than 38,000 people losing their lives each year.

Safey Tips in the event your vehicle loses control:

1. Reduce your speed. Slow down if you see something unusual or hazardous ahead of you. Reducing your speed lowers the energy of the car and increases your control.
2. Don't panic. Avoid panic and stay calm.
3. Keep your hands on the wheel. Do not let go of the wheel and try regaining control of the vehicle by having your hands on the steering wheel.
4. Don't slam on the brakes. Gradually press your brake pedal down continuously to prevent losing control even further.
5. Keep your eyes open. Do not close their eyes; keep your focus on the road to help see a possible opportunity to regain control of your vehicle and to see where you are going.
6. Steer into the skid. Whether hydroplaning on water or skidding on ice or gravel, it's usually a good idea to steer into the skid. That is, steer in the direction that the back of your vehicle is trying to go. In most cases, this is the best way to regain control of your vehicle.

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A 26-year-old First Lieutenant assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve, Bedford, Virginia, on inactive duty training orders, died in an on-duty Government Motor Vehicle (GMV) mishap on 2 November 2023 in Bowling Green, Viriginia, at 1400 local. The Soldier’s unit was conducting a tactical vehicle convoy to their battle assembly when the HMMWV left the roadway and overturned. One Soldier was fatally injured, and four other Soldiers sustained non-fatal injuries. A Safety Investigation Board led by members of the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is investigating the mishap.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of eight Soldiers a year to GMV mishaps. This mishap was the third on-duty GMV fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safey tip

The Army has accounted for 22 rollover mishaps resulting in the loss of 20 Soldiers since FY19. Most on-duty rollovers are preventable, and actions can be taken to prevent or reduce severity when they occur.

Safety Tips to prevent vehicle rollovers:

Wear seat belt and restraint devices!

Slow down. Watch for sharp curves and steep slopes and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Curves and slopes generate centrifugal force that enacts sideways motion on the vehicle, increasing the chances of rollover. Come to a complete stop and downshift at the crest of steep grades to control speed. Faster speeds also result in decreased driver response times.

Avoid panic. Do not jerk the steering wheel. Many rollovers occur when the driver panics/jerks the steering wheel during an emergency. Jerking the steering wheel, conducting sudden vehicle maneuvers, overcorrecting or excessive steering can cause loss of control, and the vehicle may slide sideways and rollover.

Employ proper maneuvering. If your vehicle runs off the roadway, gradually reduce your speed. Ease off the accelerator pedal so the vehicle slows down. Slowly ease the vehicle back onto the roadway when it is safe, and your speed is under control.

Make sure vehicles have been safety inspected and maintained. Pay attention to the tire condition and air pressure during PMCS to reduce potential hazards. Worn and improperly inflated tires increase your risk of rollover.

Use combat locks/safety latches safely. Combat locks/safety latches help keep the doors closed in a crash. If traveling near water, ensure to release latches to allow easier evacuation in the event the vehicle becomes submerged underwater.

Do not lock up the brakes. Use a pumping action in emergencies instead of locking the brakes. Use adequate braking at various speeds to make emergency stops safely. Breaking hard will accelerate the skid, contributing to loss of control and rollover.

Use caution on rural roads. When a vehicle leaves a rural road, it can overturn when it strikes a ditch, embankment or is tripped by soft soil.

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A 39-year-old Staff Seargent assigned to the Army National Guard, Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Title 10 orders died in other ground mishap 28 August 2023 in Marshall, Michigan, at 0238 local. The Soldier and his nephew reportedly died in a house fire. His brother positively identified him at the scene. The Michigan Army National Guard was notified of the Soldier’s death. The Marshall Police Department (MPD) and fire investigators do not suspect foul play and believe the fire was accidental at this time. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for MPD to release its final report.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of three Soldiers a year to off-duty ground other ground mishaps. This was the third off-duty ground other ground mishap of FY23 and above the number of ground other ground fatalities from this time last year.

Safety tip

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have as little as two minutes to escape? During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Learn what else to do to keep your loved ones safe!

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test smoke alarms every month. If they are not working, change the batteries. Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice twice a year. If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.
 

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A 22-year-old Specialist assigned to the Army National Guard, Pontotoc, Mississippi, died in an off-duty ground other ground mishap 6 August 2023 in Houston, Mississippi, at 1300 local. The Soldier was leaving drill and en route to his home, riding as a rear passenger in a vehicle. The driver pulled over to switch driving duties with another occupant. Before the vehicle started traveling again, a tree fell on its roof, fatally injuring the Soldier and another occupant.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of three Soldiers a year to off-duty ground other ground mishaps. This mishap was the second off-duty ground other ground fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
 

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A 24-year-old First Lieutenant assigned to Vilseck, Germany, died in an on-duty government motor vehicle (GMV) mishap 1 August 2023 in Weiden, Germany, at 1125 local. A military convoy was merging onto the autobahn when a civilian semi-truck struck a Stryker. The collision resulted in the commander’s vehicle hatch releasing and impacting the Soldier, causing her to lose consciousness. Emergency medical services and polizei responded and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The Soldier was wearing personal protective equipment and a gunner’s restraint harness. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the polizei to release its final report.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of nine Soldiers a year to on-duty GMV mishaps. This mishap was the fourth on-duty GMV fatality of FY23 and the same number of fatalities for the same period last year.

Safety tips

Convoy commanders must identify hazards along the convoy route.

Ensure to conduct a pre-convoy safety briefing covering hazards, location of road hazards, driving conditions and control measures.

If feasible, schedule convoys around peak travel and congestion periods.

Ensure the vehicle commanders have been briefed on established communication.

If available, plan for military police or host nation assistance to regulate traffic.

Ensure that vehicle commanders are trained to observe hazards and communicate them throughout the convoy.

Upon reaching the acceleration lane, increase convoy speed to equal as closely as possible the speed of other traffic on the roadway.

When moving into the traffic lane and before merging, the driver should ensure that lanes are clear of oncoming traffic.

Position your vehicle toward the nearside of the road before merging onto an entrance ramp.

Signal your intentions when planning to merge or change lanes.

Wait to accelerate onto the traffic lane if you see vehicles approaching quickly.

Check again and ensure there is nothing preventing a safe maneuver onto the traffic lane.

Never force your way into the traffic; stop and wait if necessary.

Take extra caution when merging near large vehicles; they may accidentally cross over in your lane due to their large width.

Keeping your vehicle close to the nearside (pavement /sidewalk) edge of the road on single carriageways can help you to avoid sideswiping collisions — especially on corners.

Pay attention to the position of your vehicle and ensure you never cross over the central white line unless absolutely essential.

Ensure mirrors and windows are clean and adjusted before and during travel.

Safety tips for vehicle hatch operation

When the hatch is opened, the downward force may trap hands between the hatch and the opening.

Hatches are under spring tension. Ensure to keep the body clear of the hatch when opening. Failure to do so may result in injury to personnel.

Engage the safety catch after opening the hatch to ensure it stays in a secured position.

 

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