Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 17-year-old Private assigned to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, died in a PMV-4 mishap 19 December 2024 in Hoke County, North Carolina, at 0100 local. During holiday leave, the Soldier was involved in vehicle accident. According to police reports, the Soldier lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway and struck a tree. The investigation did not specify if seat belt use, and alcohol or drug involvement was a factor. Speed was a possible causal factor.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the seventh PMV-4 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety tip

Driving at night poses unique risks, from reduced visibility to heightened fatigue, making it crucial for all road users to equip themselves with the knowledge to stay safe. This requires us to think about our readiness before getting behind the wheel and prepare to encounter uncertain and unpredictable conditions on the road after dark.

Risks When Driving at Night

There are many practical ways to make your journey safer when driving at night. It starts by recognizing and preparing for the potential risks.

Reduced Visibility

The visual landscape changes radically on the road at night. On the one hand, decreased visibility of objects in the environment makes it harder to spot potential hazards. On the other hand, headlights and other artificial lighting require our eyes to adjust quickly between dark and light.

Ensure your windshield is clean and that wipers are working effectively, as streaks on the glass can create added issues when light hits them.

Keep your headlights clean, maintained and properly aimed so you don't dazzle oncoming drivers. Know how to use your high beams and fog lights. Always remember to switch to low beams as soon as you are visible to another vehicle. Also, turn off any lights inside the car and change the screen to night mode.

Increased Fatigue

Humans are naturally wired to be awake during the day and asleep at night. This means we are more likely to feel drowsy when driving after dark. Night driving carries more inherent risk, especially after a long day.

According to research, crashes from drowsy driving after dark are more likely between midnight and 6 am. Technology is rapidly developing to pick up on physiological signs that a driver is experiencing drowsiness because people rarely know that their driving is impaired by fatigue.

Ensure you are well rested before driving at night. Take regular breaks, at least every two hours or 100 miles, to keep your blood pumping and energy flowing.

If you feel drowsy while driving, take a break as soon as possible and drink water. Have a short walk around the car, and if necessary, take a 20-30 minute nap. Share driving responsibilities with a well-rested co-driver, if possible, especially on long journeys.

More Wildlife Near Roads

You are more likely to encounter wildlife during twilight and at night. Large animals grazing around roads can be dangerous if the driver doesn’t spot them in time when required to slow down and take evasive action.

A recent study found that "Vehicle headlights are the primary means of illuminating potential roadside hazards to drivers at night." High beams can detect large animals further away, giving drivers more time to brake safely. The study also found that driver reaction times increase as a journey continues.

Look out for wildlife warning signs and drive with care on rural roads. If an animal crosses your path, brake firmly, but avoid swerving into oncoming traffic.

Less Traffic, More Speed

There tends to be a lower volume of traffic at night, which can make it tempting for drivers to increase their speed. But speed significantly increases the risk of the elements we've already discussed. With less visibility, lower reaction times, and unpredictable factors like unsighted animals and pedestrians, it's even more important to take care, slow down, and allow plenty of space around your vehicle.

Alcohol

The risk of encountering road users who have had a drink is higher at night. Driving is inherently more dangerous after consuming any amount of alcohol, so don't.

Keep your distance from other vehicles, especially if you notice them driving erratically or unusually. Be alert to pedestrians who may have consumed alcohol. Intoxication means they are more likely to act impulsively, which may include suddenly stepping out into the road.

Weather Conditions

Nighttime can bring changes in the weather that require care and patience behind the wheel. When the temperature fluctuates, especially in the winter, you are more likely to encounter ice, fog, and invisible potholes. This can make for precarious driving conditions with low visibility. If wet and windy, there is an increased chance of flooding, debris, and fallen trees on the road, which is harder to see from a distance.

Check weather forecasts before your trip. Only travel in adverse weather at night if absolutely necessary and allow plenty of extra time so you can drive with patience, care and awareness of everything around you.

Roadworks and Construction

Road maintenance and development projects often happen at night when the roads are quieter. A road closure may cause anxiety and panic, especially if you don't know your diverted route. Unexpected driving in unfamiliar surroundings might require you to find somewhere to stop, take a breath, and look at a map to get more comfortable with the change of plan.

Get as much information as possible about potential road closures and highway work along your route before you set off. Plan your journey accordingly. Respond to active construction zones by following posted speed limits and being prepared for changes. Look out for construction workers, bollards and equipment.

Tips provided by NSC, NHTSA and Smith Systems blog site

A 23-year-old Sergeant assigned to J. Wesley Sampler Readiness Center, Rogers, Arkansas, died in a PMV-4 mishap 8 December 2024 near Dermott, Arkansas, at 0454 local. The Soldier was driving to battle assembly when he was involved in a single-vehicle mishap. Seat belt use, speed, alcohol or drug involvement are currently unknown.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the sixth PMV-4 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety Tip

Drowsy driving kills — but is preventable. Learn about the factors commonly associated with drowsy-driving crashes and pick up some helpful tips to avoid falling asleep at the wheel. In this section, you’ll also find several resources and learn what National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is doing to help eliminate this risky behavior.

Avoid Driving Drowsy

1. Occur most frequently between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late afternoon. At both times of the day, people experience dips in their circadian rhythm — the human body’s internal clock that regulates sleep.
2. Often involve only a single driver (and no passengers) running off the road at a high rate of speed with no evidence of braking.
3. Frequently occur on rural roads and highways.
4. Getting adequate sleep on a daily basis is the only true way to protect yourself against the risks of driving when you’re drowsy. Experts urge consumers to make it a priority to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night. For more information on healthy sleep, see In Brief: Your Guide to Healthy Sleep (PDF, 1.81 MB) at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website.
5. Before the start of a long family car trip, get a good night’s sleep, or you could put your entire family and others at risk.
6. Many teens do not get enough sleep at a stage in life when their biological need for sleep increases, which makes them vulnerable to the risk of drowsy-driving crashes, especially on longer trips. Advise your teens to delay driving until they’re well-rested.
7. Avoid drinking any alcohol before driving. Consumption of alcohol interacts with sleepiness to increase drowsiness and impairment.
8. Always check your prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to see if drowsiness could result from their use.
9. If you take medications that could cause drowsiness as a side effect, use public transportation when possible.
10. If you drive, avoid driving during the peak sleepiness periods (midnight – 6 a.m. and late afternoon). If you must drive during the peak sleepiness periods, stay vigilant for signs of drowsiness, such as crossing over roadway lines or hitting a rumble strip, especially if you’re driving alone drinking coffee or energy drinks alone is not always enough. They might help you feel more alert, but the effects last only a short time, and you might not be as alert as you think you are. If you drink coffee and are seriously sleep deprived, you still may have “micro sleeps” or brief losses of consciousness that can last for four or five seconds. This means that at 55 miles per hour, you’ve traveled more than 100 yards down the road while asleep. That’s plenty of time to cause a crash.
11. If you start to get sleepy while you’re driving, drink one to two cups of coffee and pull over for a short 20-minute nap in a safe place, such as a lighted, designated rest stop. This has been shown to increase alertness in scientific studies, but only for short time periods.

Tips provided by NHTSA.

A 37-year-old Major assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in a PMV-4 mishap 9 December 2024 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 0800 local. The Soldier was driving when he collided with another vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. Seat belt use, speed, alcohol or drug involvement is currently unknown.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the fifth PMV-4 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

A 25-year-old Specialist assigned to Kadena Air Base, Japan, died in a PMV-2 mishap 8 December 2024 on Camp Foster, Japan, at 1600 local. The Soldier was riding his sportbike out the installation gate when he lost control and crashed. According to reports, he was properly licensed and met all base requirements for registration and qualification. Motorcycle training, personal protective equipment and alcohol or drug use are currently unknown.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 29 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the sixth PMV-2 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

A 23-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in a PMV-4 mishap 23 November 2024 near Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 1445 local. The Soldier was traveling on a two-lane highway when he struck a semi-truck head on. Emergency services were called, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Seat belt use, speed, alcohol or drug involvement is currently unknown.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the fourth PMV-4 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this time last year.

Safety Tip

Swerving is an incredibly dangerous behavior performed by drivers of all skill levels. Swerving is defined as an abrupt and often jarring change from one lane to another, usually without any form of warning by the offending driver beforehand.

1. Active lane awareness: Regularly check your position within the lane by glancing at the lane markings, not just relying on the car in front of you. While you should focus primarily on the road ahead, occasional glances at the side and rear mirrors will help you gauge your exact location on the road. Ensure your mirrors are properly adjusted before you start driving. Check them every 5-8 minutes to confirm you can see the lines on both sides of your vehicle, indicating you're centered in your lane.
2. Peripheral vision: Use your peripheral vision to monitor the edges of your lane and oncoming traffic. When you fixate on things close by, it can easily cause you to drift away from the center. Instead, look at objects on the horizon. By focusing far ahead, you can still see nearby obstacles and control your vehicle's position better.
3. Steering technique: Maintain a relaxed grip on the wheel to avoid overcorrecting and drifting. Be aware of road conditions like curves and inclines that may require slight steering adjustments to stay centered in your lane. Keep both hands on the steering wheel at the "9 and 3" position, ensuring a balanced grip and allowing for smooth adjustments.
4. Distraction management: Always minimize distractions like phone usage, loud music, or conversations to stay focused on the task of driving. Put your phone away and keep it out of reach while driving. Use a hands-free device if you need to make or answer calls. Keep your attention solely on the road while driving.
5. Appropriate speed: Adjust your speed based on road conditions and weather, ensuring you have enough time to react. Reduce speed if road and traffic conditions warrant it.
6. Road conditions: Be particularly vigilant on roads with uneven surfaces or poor visibility.
7. Signs of fatigue: Avoid driving when you are fatigued. To prevent accidents like drifting into the other lane, it is crucial to never drive when you are tired; if you start feeling drowsy behind the wheel, pull over to a safe location and rest before continuing your journey.

Tips provided by NTSI.