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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 24-042 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-2

A 28-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, died in a PMV-2 mishap in Hinesville, Georgia, at local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by a civilian vehicle. He was ejected from his bike, impacting the ground headfirst. The Hinesville Police Department (HPD) responded to the scene. The Soldier was transported to the local hospital, where he died from his injuries. He had a valid motorcycle endorsement, completed the Fort Stewart Motorcycle Basic RiderCourse in October 2023 and was wearing personal protective equipment. Speed and alcohol were not suspected to be contributing factors.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 13th PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Top Seven Tips for New Motorcycle Riders Looking to Avoid Needless Risks & Stay Safe by Motorcycle Guy

Motorcycles are fun and there’s nothing like powering down winding roads by yourself with the wind in your face. But bikes can be much riskier than cars when things go down. If you’re new to riding, you will want to learn how to ride with less chance of injuries.

The idea is to strengthen the odds in your favor by avoiding needless risks and by training to be always alert and ready for any situation.

1. Dress protectively.

Clothes designed with protections can shield you from onrushing wind, insects and street debris as you plow ahead. Waterproof jackets will keep rain from thoroughly soaking you on the road. Along with a full helmet, a pair of good boots, gloves and a jacket can help cushion your fall and lessen scrapes in the event.

Biking gloves feature reinforcements to protect your hands and will also help you get a better grip on the handles and controls. The motorcycle gloves either vent heat and air for comfort during warm seasons or are insulated to keep out the cold. Multi-season jackets can be worthwhile as they will shield your torso against turbulent winds and can protect your skin from worse scrapes during falls. Tip: On longer rides, you would be wise to put on the best motorcycle boots to protect your ankles.

You also cannot go wrong with an additional pair of lightweight goggles to protect your eyes. Speaking of sight, most car drivers who have been in accidents with motorcycles frequently claim not to have seen them. It follows that you should wear clothes and accessories that come in brilliant and easy-to-see colors.

2. Put on a helmet.

You will have noticed that most bikers wear helmets and many are dressed in road wear. That’s because those without helmets on during crashes are more likely to suffer fatal injuries and are far more exposed to long-term brain damage. Always wear a helmet each time you go off, no matter how short the trip.

Helmets also help to reduce noises from the wind and surroundings, which lessens fatigue. Half or brain-cap helmets feature much less protection than full types or those with flip-up visors. In any case, keeping a helmet unlocked is almost the same as having none on when spills happen, so use one properly!

DOT-certified models that protect the face are your best bets, like Fuel’s affordable full-face model. Other helmet ratings like Snell are a plus and will point you to well-designed and robust models that are light and comfortable.

3. Get a bike you can readily handle.

If it’s been some time since you have last ridden, you might find astounding performance in the newest bikes. If you’re buying one, make sure that you can readily mount it with both feet flat on the pavement, without need to balance yourself once seated. Grip levers and handlebars must be easily reachable. If the bike feels too heavy, it probably won’t suit you.

Smaller twin-block engines of up to 300 cc with smooth and predictable power delivery are good for beginners or for daily riders. If you will be gliding the highways a lot, a bigger engine of up to 750 cc will provide you power to readily merge into exit traffic. See:

The Best Motorcycles Perfect For Beginner Riders [2024 Edition] - BestBeginnerMotorcycles

4. Balance your stance on the go.

If it is your first time to be riding your bike in traffic, it won’t be surprising if you find yourself somewhat stiff and working your muscles more than necessary. A taut stance is not the best, because squeezing your knees hard on the frame and grabbing the handles too tightly will have you ride poorly. With this style of riding, you will tire out quickly.

If you are tight on the handlebars, you will steer badly as well. It’s important to be moderate on the throttle or easy on the clutch and brakes to get many maneuvers right. When turning, you should try to balance on the frame by shifting your body slightly, and it helps to relax a little while doing so.

5. Tighten down low, loosen up high.

The best way to stay seated is to hold the bike’s frame using your thighs and knees. It is not in how you grip the handlebars or lean on them. You should be using your hands to steer, throttle and brake as well as signal to others.

Hold onto the frame with your lower body and legs in a comfortable yet firm stance that joins you to the bike below your waistline. Keep your upper torso much more flexible and relaxed. Flexing your arms at the handlebars does work to dampen street bumps and rumbles reaching you via the front fork.

6. Practice riding.

It is a smart idea to join up with one or two helpful riders. With patient friends, you can see how they turn and brake as well as pass cars and obstacles, gaining confidence as you learn from them. You do not want to force the learning process, and your initial goal is to find out how to ride roads safely with cars around.

If you are always alert to your surroundings, you’ll avoid many painful surprises. As you learn you spot problems from farther away, you’ll be better able to angle your turns with less steering and with more stability on the go.

7. Play defense always.

The majority of accidents happen when bikers neglect the dangers ahead and around them. There’s a wise saying, “ride as if you’re invisible.” This teaches riders not to rely on the competence and attention of drivers and other road users, especially in this age of distracted drivers using mobile devices.

Bikers have to always be alert and on the lookout for vehicles that can suddenly swerve across lanes or come from the sides. You should always keep a safe distance between you and vehicles ahead, with a few seconds worth of reaction time and braking distance to deal with any upcoming hazards. Spotting and anticipating what’s coming up increases your chances of escaping serious falls and injuries and is what defensive riding is all about.

 

 

PLR 24-040 - PMV-4 Mishap Claims Two Soldiers' Lives

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

Two 19-year-old Specialists assigned to the Army National Guard, Spartanburg, South Carolina, in an inactive-duty status died in a PMV-4 mishap in Union, South Carolina, at local. It was reported by the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) the Soldiers were involved in a vehicle accident. Soldier No. 1 (driver) was driving home from drill with Soldier No. 2 (passenger) when they collided with a pick-up truck. The SCHP responded and pronounced Soldier No. 2 dead at the scene. Soldier No. 1 was airlifted to the local regional hospital. Soldier No. 1 was placed in a medically induced coma on life support, she died three days later from her injuries. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including use of seat belt, speed or alcohol, are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for SCHP 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 20th and 21st PMV-4 fatalities of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

 

 

PLR 24-039 - PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

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

A 25-year-old Specialist assigned to the Army National Guard, Seagoville, Texas, participating in annual training died in a PMV-4 mishap in Weatherford, Texas, at local. When the Soldier did not report to his place of duty, it was later determined he was involved in a vehicle accident and sustained fatal injuries. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including use of seat belt, speed or use of alcohol, are currently unknown. The unit/safety point of contacts are waiting for law enforcement 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 19th PMV-4 fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

 

 

PLR 24-038 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-2

A 34-year-old Master Sergeant assigned to Fort Knox, Kentucky, died from a PMV-2 mishap in Rincon, Georgia, at local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle when he was cut off by another motorist and struck the vehicle’s rear. Law enforcement and emergency medical services responded to the scene and airlifted the Soldier to a local hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. He was taken off life support and died five days later. The Soldier was wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment, completed the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation training. Speed and alcohol were not contributing factors. 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 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 12th PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Motorcycling can never be done risk-free. With that said, you can decrease your chance of experiencing an accident or getting into a motorcycle collision if you make an effort to do so. While some things will always be beyond your control, you should always do everything within your power to stay safe.

With that in mind, I wanted to take a closer look at some of the things you can do to stay safe while riding your motorcycle. These tips and techniques won’t ensure you’ll avoid a collision, but they should help.

Check the Weather Before You Ride

Weather can play a significant role in your safety when riding. If you’re out during heavy precipitation, then visibility for both you and other motorists decreases dramatically. This can greatly increase your likelihood of getting into an accident or collision.

A simple check of the weather before you ride is all you need. If there’s a chance of rain, it doesn’t mean you can’t ride, but it might impact the gear you wear on that ride.

If, however, you see some severe weather conditions coming up, then it would be in your best interest to stay home.

Scan for Potential Hazards

Hazards are everywhere on the road. Even things that might not seem like hazards for any other motorist can spell disaster for motorcyclists. Here’s a look at some of the most common road hazards for motorcycle riders:

  • Railroad crossings
  • Loose gravel
  • Potholes
  • Oil slicks
  • Wet surfaces
  • Animals
  • Road debris

One type of road debris that has received a lot of attention lately is grass clippings. It might seem silly, but freshly cut grass clippings can wreak havoc on your motorcycle’s tires’ ability to get proper grip on the road. This can lead to you going down when you least expect it.

Usually, grass clippings are just left by a careless homeowner or lawn-care service, but that doesn’t stop these grass clippings from being a serious hazard. This has led a lot of motorcyclists to ask, “Is it illegal to leave grass clippings on the road?” The answer depends on the laws in your particular area. I’ll let a member of Spaulding Injury Law describe how this pertains to the law in the video below:

In short, some places have laws that prohibit homeowners and law service personnel from depositing grass clippings on the road. Other places don’t. I urge you to check your local laws, so you know for sure.

Make Sure You’re Seen

Most motorcycle accidents aren’t the rider’s fault. Quite often, a driver of a car, SUV, or truck simply doesn’t see the motorcyclist. While this is their fault, there are also some things a motorcycle rider can do about it.

Focus on being seen. This can start with your gear and your bike itself. You want your bike to get noticed. Lights and reflectors are very good things. When it comes to gear, you need to have reflective material on your gear and preferably bright, easy-to-see colors. Neon colors work best.

Also, when riding, think about your lane position. There is no one lane position that is right all of the time. You need to choose the correct lane position for the situation, and the correct lane position is the one where other motorists can easily see you.

Ride Responsibly and Appropriately

This one is a bit obvious, but never, ever under any circumstance, ride while intoxicated or under the influence. It’s a recipe for disaster and could lead to your death or the death of others.

Riding responsibly is not just about not riding under the influence. It’s also about riding within the speed limit, avoiding silly stunts, or generally acting like an idiot on the road.

Also, make sure to ride appropriately for a specific situation. If it’s raining or traffic is heavy, avoid any aggressive maneuvers. Take things slow and easy while you’re out there. Assess the roads and your surroundings, and then respond appropriately.

Always Have an Escape Route

One thing you should always do no matter where you ride is to always have an escape route. This means you should be able to exit your lane or position at a moment’s notice. It’s your go-to if a car cuts you off or brakes unexpectedly.

Plan your escape routes as you ride. Look for wide shoulders or a middle lane that you could pull into if needed. Also, keep an eye on gaps between cars and between other bikes. These can be how you can get to your escape routes when things are tight.

Keep a Cushion

Having a cushion when riding is key. This applies not only to the car in front of you but the vehicles and obstacles on all sides of you. It’s best to have at least a two-second cushion in front of you (usually a little longer).

When it comes to either side of your bike, just make sure you’re not pinned in by motorists on either side of you. Remember, you want to keep your escape routes open. Sometimes, this will mean speeding up. Other times this will mean you need to slow down.

By keeping your distance and always having a cushion between you and the cars and motorcycles around you, you’ll have time to react quickly to the unexpected.

Keep Up on Your Riding Skills

I’d advise every single person on a motorcycle to take a motorcycle safety course. In these courses, professionals teach you the best tricks they’ve learned over thousands of miles traveled.

While an initial safety course is important, it’s equally important to keep up on your riding skills. I’d urge you to take an intermediate or advanced rider’s course. These courses go beyond what instructors can teach you in a beginner class, and the tips and techniques you’ll learn will help you not only to be safe but become a better and smoother rider overall.

Finally, nothing makes up for practice. The issue with a lot of riders is that they never practice their panic stops or tight cornering or obstacle avoidance. If you don’t practice your skills, you’ll never perfect them.

Information provided from an Article by Wade Theil writing for Web Bike World

 

 

PLR 24-037 - PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

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

A Specialist assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in a PMV-4 mishap near the installation at local. Soldier No. 1 was reportedly traveling northbound with Soldier No. 2 as a passenger when he lost control and struck multiple barriers. Soldier No. 1 sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Soldier No. 2 suffered severe burns and was transported to the local Army medical center before being transferred to a higher-level facility for further treatment and evaluation. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, use of seat belt or alcohol, 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 PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 18th PMV-4 fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Most safe driving skills teach you to remain in control of your vehicle at all times. But that's not always possible.

There are times when even the safest drivers lose control of their vehicle: There might be water or ice or gravel that robs us of control, or a collision might cause us to lose control as well. If we lose control of the vehicle, here's how to stay safe.

What you need to do first

We're making an assumption here that you are already driving safely, which means your seat belt is buckled, your hands are at "nine and three" on the steering wheel, and you're not talking on your cellphone.

When you lose control

Here is what you should do when you lose control:

  1. Don't panic. Yes, everyone says you shouldn't panic and it's hard not to panic, but panicking is the most detrimental thing to do. Some people freeze up when they panic, and others overcompensate. Avoid panic and stay calm.
  2. Keep your hands on the wheel. When some people panic and lose control of the vehicle, their first reaction is to let go of the wheel. Don't do this! At some point you will regain control of the vehicle and having your hands on the steering wheel will make sure that you are ready.
  3. Keep your eyes open. When people panic, another reaction is to close their eyes. Don't do this! Keep your eyes open because as soon as you regain control of your vehicle, you will need to see where you are going.
  4. Shift into neutral. When the vehicle is in drive, there is power going to the wheels, even if you aren't accelerating. By shifting into neutral, you are eliminating the power to the wheels.
  5. Steer into the skid. Whether you're 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 a vehicle.
  6. You don't necessarily have to stop the vehicle; you just have to slow down and straighten the car out to regain your footing.
  7. Make sure you drive out of the danger before stopping the vehicle and getting out. Check around you to make sure. For example, other vehicles following you might hit the same hazard that you hit and lose control as well. So, make sure you are well away from danger first.

We should drive in such a way that we stay in control of our vehicles at all times. However, some road conditions will still prevail and keep us from remaining in control. Using the techniques described above, you can avoid additional danger to yourself and regain control of your vehicle.

Note: Offered for informational purposes only from Boyd Autobody.

 

 

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