Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Private First Class assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, died in a motorcycle mishap 26 June 2025 in Long Beach, California, at 2223 local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle while on leave when he collided with a pickup truck. The Long Beach Police Department responded to the scene. 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 19th motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.  

Safety Tips

When passing other vehicles on a motorcycle, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings and adhere to safety guidelines. Here are some key tips to ensure a safe passing experience:

• Assess the Situation: Before deciding to pass, evaluate if it's necessary and if the vehicle ahead is moving significantly slower than the speed limit.
• Use Your Mirrors: Check your side and rear mirrors before changing lanes or making a turn, especially when there's a motorcycle nearby.
• Maintain Lane Position: Stay in the center portion of your lane and maintain a steady speed to avoid startling the motorcyclist.
• Be Clear: Clearly signal your intentions to the motorcyclist before passing.
• Check Blind Spots: Use mirrors to check for blind spots and ensure you can see the road ahead and behind before making a pass.
• Be Calm: Stay calm and composed, as sudden movements can startle the motorcyclist and lead to an accident.
• Plan Ahead: Always plan your route and consider the traffic flow before deciding to pass.
• Stay Focused: Keep your focus on the road and avoid distractions that could affect your ability to pass safely.

Tips provided by various sources, including the NSC, NHTSA, and numerous motorcycle safety blogs and magazines.

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.

A 24-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in a motorcycle mishap 19 May 2025 in El Paso, Texas, at 0130 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 2022 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.

A 28-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a motorcycle mishap 16 May 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 2200 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 2023 were riding without valid motorcycle licenses. Additionally, 92% of motorcycle accidents involve drivers who did not complete formal motorcycle safety training.

A 20-year-old Corporal assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap 4 May 2025 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 2100 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.