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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 24-086 – PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-4
A 26-year-old Sergeant assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in a PMV-4 mishap 30 August 2024 near the base at 0700 local. The Soldier and his wife (passenger) were traveling in their vehicle when he lost control and swerved off the road, striking a tree. Both occupants died in the mishap. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including the use of seat belts, speed or the involvement of alcohol, are currently unknown.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 33rd off-duty PMV-4 mishap of FY24 and equal to the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

On average, there are over 6 million passenger vehicle accidents in the U.S. every year. Road crashes are the leading cause of death in the country, resulting in more than 38,000 people losing their lives each year.

Avoid distractions - Distractions can slow your reaction time, which can be especially dangerous at high speeds. Always keep 100% of your attention on driving – no multi-tasking. Don't use your phone or any other electronic device while driving.

Avoid cruise control - Cruise control can cause your vehicle to accelerate unpredictably, which can reduce your reaction time and control.

Control your speed - Accelerating by just 5 mph could increase your chances of crashing by 3%.

Maintain/Gain vehicle control – Avoid accelerating if the vehicle loses control. Don't step on the gas pedal, as this can increase the risk of a deadly accident. Steer slowly: Gently steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go. Don't step on the gas pedal, as this can increase the risk of a deadly accident. Apply brakes: If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply firm and continuous pressure to the brakes. If your vehicle doesn't have ABS, pump the brakes gently. Shift into neutral: Shift into neutral. Drive out of danger: Before stopping, check around to ensure you're out of danger.

Keep a safe distance - Keeping a safe distance between you and other vehicles is one of the best ways to avoid an accident. Keep a 2-second cushion between you and the car in front of you. Make that 4 seconds if the weather conditions are severe.

Defensive driving - Be aware of what other drivers are doing and expect the unexpected. Anticipate that other motorists will do something unsafe, and always be prepared to avoid it.

Plan your route - Planning your route before you get behind the wheel can help you avoid distractions like trying to read a map or looking down at your GPS.

Prepare your vehicle - Give your car a quick check to ensure everything is in working order, such as checking that your tires are in good condition.

Respect other drivers - Respecting other drivers' maneuvers and being more understanding of other people's mistakes can improve behavior on the road.

Familiarize yourself with your car - Learning the ins and outs of your vehicle, such as the locations of controls, can help prevent panic if you suddenly need to use them.

Practice safety - Secure cargo that may move around while the vehicle is in motion. Don't attempt to retrieve items that fall to the floor. Have items needed within easy reach or ask a passenger to assist.
 

 

PLR 24-085 – Off-Duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Sports & Recreation
A 19-year-old Soldier assigned to Fort Moore, Georgia, died in an off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap 2 September 2024 in Columbus, Georgia, at 1400 local. The Solider dove from a bridge support 50 feet above the water and landed on his stomach. He swam to shore but was having difficulty breathing and lost consciousness. Local police responded and performed CPR until emergency medical services arrived. The Soldier was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later pronounced dead

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishaps. This was the fourth fatal off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap of FY24 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety tip

From FY19-23, 36 Soldiers lost their lives in water-related mishaps, and another four suffered permanent total disabling injuries after diving into shallow waters.

Think Ahead
Once you’ve started your dive, you don’t have time to think. Know the depth of the water. Plan your dive path. Never dive where you don’t know the water depth or where there may be hidden obstructions.

Steer Up
When you dive down, you must be ready to steer up. As you enter the water, your arms must be extended over your head, hands flat and aiming up. Hold your head up and arch your back. This way, your whole body helps you steer up, away from the bottom. Plan a shallow dive, immediately steering up. Don’t try the straight vertical-entry dives you see in competition. These dives take a long time to slow down and must be done only after careful training and in pools designed for competitive diving.

Head and Hands Up
Your extended arms and hands not only help you to steer up to the surface, they can also protect your head. If a diver’s head hits bottom, major injury to the neck and spine can result. So always remember, head and hands up!

Control Your Dive
Sometimes divers lose control through improper use of their hands and arms. Practice holding your arms extended, hands flat and tipped up. Like learning to swim or ride a bicycle, you have to learn to make the right moves automatically. Carefully rehearse the proper diving technique before you dive.
 

 

PLR 24-084 – Off-Duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Sports & Recreation

A 29-year-old Soldier assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, died in an off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap in Milford, Kansas, at local. The Soldier was swimming at Milford Lake when he was reported missing. The Geary County Sheriff’s Office responded and found the Soldier unresponsive. The Geary County coroner pronounced him dead at the scene. The specific circumstances of the mishap are currently unknown.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishaps. This was the third fatal off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap of FY24 and below the number of fatalities this same time last year.

Safety tip

In the U.S., an average of 3,500 to 4,000 people drown per year. That is an average of 10 fatal drownings per day. Swimming in open water (lakes, rivers, ponds and the ocean) is harder than in a pool. People tire faster and get into trouble more quickly. A person can go under water in a murky lake, making them hard to find, or be swept away in currents.

  • Swim in a lifeguarded area, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.
  • Be cautious of sudden dropoffs in lakes and rivers. People who can't swim or aren't strong swimmers have slipped into deeper water and drowned.
  • Stay sober when on or in the water. Alcohol and other drugs increase the effects of weather, temperature and wave action.
  • Life jackets are recommended for children swimming in lakes and rivers.
  • Always keep a close eye on small children and keep them within arm’s reach.
  • Know your limitations — including physical fitness and medical conditions.
  • Never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy or swim with lifeguards and/or water watchers present.
  • Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout.
  • Take caution of the unique risks of the water environment you are in, such as:
    • River currents
    • Underwater currents
    • Water temperature
    • Shallow or unclear water
    • Underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals
  • It is always best to call for assistance if possible before attempting a water rescue, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.

The Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation includes a section dedicated to water-related activities which contains statistics, contributing factors, prevention tips and other relevant information. You can download the full presentation or the Water-Related Activities breakout from the In the Spotlight Series at: https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Home-and-Family/Off-Duty-Safety-Awareness-Presentation-2024.

 

 

PLR 24-083 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

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

A 20-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a PMV-2 mishap in Clarksville, Tennessee, at local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle when he ran off the road and stuck a sign pole. He was reportedly riding at a high rate of speed. The use of personal protective equipment and completion of Motorcycle Safety Foundation training are currently unknown.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 33rd PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and equal to the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety tip

If you ride a motorcycle, you already know how much fun riding can be. You understand the exhilaration of cruising the open road and the challenge of controlling a motorcycle. But motorcycling also can be dangerous. Per vehicle miles traveled in 2022, motorcyclists were about 22 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were four times more likely to be injured. Safe motorcycling takes balance, coordination and good judgment.

Riding a motorcycle is among the riskier modes of transportation. Not only does operating a motorcycle require more physical skill and strength than driving a passenger vehicle, but motorcycles lack a protective structure, offering the rider virtually no protection in a crash. Furthermore, the motorcycle’s smaller size relative to most motor vehicles may make it less visible to drivers and more vulnerable in a collision with larger, heavier passenger vehicles and trucks.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) considers a traffic crash to be speeding-related if the driver was charged with a speeding-related offense or if an investigating police officer indicated that racing, driving too fast for conditions or exceeding the posted speed limit was a contributing factor in the crash. Thirty-five percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2022 were speeding, compared to 22 percent for passenger car drivers, 15 percent for light-truck drivers and 6 percent for large-truck drivers.

Ride Responsibly

Experienced riders know local traffic laws — and they don't take risks. 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; and always check behind you and signal before you change lanes. Remember to ride defensively. The majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes generally are caused when other drivers simply didn't see the motorcyclist. Proceed cautiously at intersections and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles as appropriate. You can increase your visibility by applying reflective materials to your motorcycle and by keeping your motorcycle's headlights on at all times, even using high beams during the day.

Tips provide by NHTSA.

 

 

PLR 24-082 – PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

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

A 27-year-old First Lieutenant assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in a PMV-4 mishap in Thomson, Georgia, at local. The Soldier was driving his vehicle when he rear-ended a semi-truck that was stopped on the roadway due to a traffic accident. The McDuffie County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Georgia State Highway Patrol and McDuffie County Coroner’s Office responded to the accident scene. EMS attempted lifesaving measures but were unsuccessful. The Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. The specific circumstance of the mishap, including the use of a seat belt, speed or the involvement of alcohol, is currently unknown.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 32nd off-duty PMV-4 mishap of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Focus on driving

Ignoring distractions and maintaining focus on the road is key to driving safely. To keep focused while driving, you should follow these steps:

  • Keep 100% of your attention on driving at all times – no multi-tasking.
  • Don’t use your phone or any other electronic device while driving.
  • Slow down. Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of an accident.

Defensive driving

What is defensive driving? Defensive driving is when motorists use accident-preventing techniques with a focus on driving safely. You may even be eligible for a defensive driving discount. To practice defensive driving:

  • Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing and expect the unexpected.
  • Assume other motorists will do something crazy and always be prepared to avoid it.
  • Keep a 2-second cushion between you and the car in front of you.
  • Make that 4 seconds if the weather is bad.

Make a safe driving plan

  • Build time into your trip schedule to stop for food, rest breaks, phone calls or other business.
  • Adjust your seat, mirrors and climate controls before putting the car in gear.
  • Pull over to eat or drink. It takes only a few minutes.

Practice safety

  • Secure cargo that may move around while the vehicle is in motion.
  • Don’t attempt to retrieve items that fall to the floor.
  • Have items needed within easy reach – such as toll fees, toll cards and garage passes.
  • Always wear your seat belt and drive sober and drug-free.

Tips provided by Nationwide Insurance, NHTSA and NSC

 

 
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