Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Sergeant assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap that occurred 11 December 2022 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 2000 local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle when he reportedly collided with a civilian car. He was initially transported to the local emergency room but then flown to Chapel Hill for further evaluation and treatment. He was placed on a ventilator but succumbed to his injuries five days later. The Soldier was properly licensed, completed the BRC-I and BRC-II, and was wearing the required personal protective equipment. Preliminary reports indicated the helmet’s integrity failed upon impact with the ground. Local authorities reported that alcohol was not suspected as a contributing factor. It is unknown if speed was a factor. The safety/unit points of contact are waiting for the Fayetteville Police Department to release its final report.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the fifth PMV-2 fatality of FY23.

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A Sergeant assigned to Torii Station, Japan, died in a PMV-2 mishap 4 November 2022 in Okinawa, Japan. The Soldier was traveling northbound when a civilian vehicle making a right-hand turn struck his motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Soldier was wearing the required personal protective equipment and completed the mandatory Motorcycle Safety Foundation training. The Okinawa Prefectural Police Department responded to the scene. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the local authorities to release their final report.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the fourth PMV-2 fatality of FY23.


Safety Measures During the Ride

1. Stay Conscious of Your Surroundings on the Road
It’s important to scan your surroundings while on the road, as it enables you to identify blind spots, other motorists who are nearby, and the road ahead. It also offers you enough time to react to any danger, which you probably couldn’t have seen if you were not vigilant.

2. Practice Proper Positioning on the Road
The correct posture for riding a motorcycle is when you sit with your back upright and the shoulders slightly tucked back and relaxed. Such a posture prevents you from launching and discomforting your neck.

Also, you should ensure you always stick to the right lane and avoid encroaching in the lanes meant for other motorists. You should also ensure there is enough distance between you and the motorist ahead, such that you don’t follow them too closely.

3. Stay in Gear, Always!
It’s vital to shift correctly and stay within a comfortable gear range when riding a motorcycle. In that case, don’t release the bike’s clutch lever suddenly. Instead, do it smoothly as its speed increases.

Generally, the more comfortable you are at using the gears, the safer you become.

4. Maintain Safety Speeds
Riding at a safe speed comes with many benefits. First, it offers you ample time to react when you face a potential hazard. Secondly, it allows you to maneuver through the traffic more calmly, which improves your safety.

5. Ride According to Your Ability and Skills
While it’s tempting to try some moves with a motorcycle when a beginner, it often leads to personal injuries. So, try to avoid tricks that could cause you harm.
 

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A Specialist assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a PMV-2 mishap 3 November 2022 in Killeen, Texas, at 2130 local. The Soldier was on PCS leave when his motorcycle collided with an SUV that pulled out in front of him. The collision ejected the Soldier from the motorcycle and over the SUV. The Killeen Police Department (KPD) responded and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. He was wearing the mandatory personal protective equipment. It is currently unknown if speed or alcohol were contributing factors. The Soldier’s completion of the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation training has not been verified. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for KPD to release its final report.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the third PMV-2 fatality of FY23.


Riding a motorcycle is incredibly fun, but it can also be quite dangerous. Unlike passenger car drivers, motorcycle riders have nothing to protect them but helmets and safety gear, so when accidents occur, they tend to be serious.

While getting on a motorcycle and hitting the open road will always come with a little risk since there’s no way to control how other riders and drivers behave, there are ways motorcyclists can reduce their chances of getting into accidents. Read on to find some safety tips that will help.

1. Ride Defensively
The most common type of motorcycle crash is a left-turn accident. While not all of them can be avoided, defensive riding can make a difference.

Pay attention to what drivers are doing. If there’s a car waiting at an intersection to turn, assume the driver won’t notice an oncoming motorcycle unless he or she makes eye contact. If there’s a gap in traffic or a driver pulling onto the road who looks a little too anxious to make a turn, those are also signs that it’s time to slow down, get in the other lane if possible, and be prepared to take evasive maneuvers.

2. Stay Out of Blind Spots
Lane-switching accidents are almost as common as left-turn crashes. They occur primarily when riders are in drivers’ blind spots when cars switch lanes. As with avoiding left-turn crashes, it’s important to drive defensively and pay attention to what drivers are doing since they are less likely to see motorcycles, even when they are in clear view. Look for signs that a driver is about to make a lane change, such as:
•Using turn signals
•Checking mirrors
•Swiveling the head to check blind spots
•Turning the wheels

It’s also very important to stay out of blind spots by speeding up or slowing down. The best way for a rider to tell if he or she is in a driver’s blind spot is to look at the mirrors and check to see if the driver’s face is visible. If a rider can make eye contact with a driver, the driver should also be able to see the motorcycle.

3. Follow the Four R’s
Head-on collisions are less common than the two types of accidents described above, but they’re also more likely to be fatal. The National Safety Council sets forth guidelines for motorcyclists about how to avoid head-on collisions. They recommend following the four R’s. Motorcyclists should always:
•Read the road
•Drive on the Right side
•Reduce speed
•Ride off the road when an accident seems imminent

Reading the road refers to paying attention to what other drivers are doing. Driving on the right side is obvious and doing so makes it easier to merge onto the shoulder to the right to avoid head-on collisions. Reducing speed means slowing down as soon as a car starts swerving or a driver stops paying attention, which is important because even a 10-mph difference can be lifesaving.

Tips provided by Ada Martin for Poler Stuff
 

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A First Sergeant assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, died in a PMV-2 mishap 16 October 2022 in Savannah, Georgia, at 2302 local. The Soldier was involved in a single-vehicle mishap and sustained fatal injuries. He purchased the motorcycle in June, completed the Basic RiderCourse (BRC I) in July and the unit check ride in August. Initial reports indicate speed was a contributing factor. The Soldier’s use of personal protective equipment and the involvement of alcohol or drugs is currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are awaiting further documentation and updates from the Georgia State Patrol.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the second PMV-2 fatality of FY23.


Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2020, 5,579 motorcyclists died. To keep everyone safe, we urge drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert.

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 2020, motorcyclists were about 28 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.

Speeding is more prevalent in fatal crashes involving motorcycle operators than among other types of motor vehicle operators. In 2018, 31% of all motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 18% of passenger car drivers (NCSA, 2020).

According to reports, two-thirds of motorcycle accidents are due to rider error. What’s more, 70% of motorcycle accidents involve collisions with other vehicles. For these reasons, it’s essential to observe relevant motorcycle safety tips.


Safety Measures During the Ride

1. Stay Conscious of Your Surroundings on the Road
It’s important to scan your surroundings while on the road, as it enables you to identify blind spots, other motorists who are nearby, and the road ahead. It also offers you enough time to react to any danger, which you probably couldn’t have seen if you were not vigilant.

2. Practice Proper Positioning on the Road
-The correct posture for riding a motorcycle is when you sit with your back upright and the shoulders slightly tucked back and relaxed. Such a posture prevents you from launching and discomforting your neck.

-Also, you should ensure you always stick to the right lane and avoid encroaching in the lanes meant for other motorists. You should also ensure there is enough distance between you and the motorist ahead, such that you don’t follow them too closely.

3. Stay in Gear, Always!
-It’s vital to shift correctly and stay within a comfortable gear range when riding a motorcycle. In that case, don’t release the bike’s clutch lever suddenly. Instead, do it smoothly as its speed increases.

-Generally, the more comfortable you are at using the gears, the safer you become.

4. Maintain Safety Speeds
Riding at a safe speed comes with many benefits. First, it offers you ample time to react when you face a potential hazard. Secondly, it allows you to maneuver through the traffic more calmly, which improves your safety.

5. Ride According to Your Ability and Skills
While it’s tempting to try some moves with a motorcycle when a beginner, it often leads to personal injuries. So, try to avoid tricks that could cause you harm.

Instead, ride according to your ability and skill. That also means riding at a comfortable speed.


Tips provided by NHTSA and Motorcycle Safety Tips by Alex
 

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A 23-year-old Specialist assigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, died in a PMV-2 mishap 15 October 2022 near the installation at 2150 local. The Soldier notified his spouse he was on his way home from attending a motorcycle meeting at the Navy Exchange. At approximately 0815 on 16 October, his spouse notified the chain of command that he never arrived home. The Honolulu Police Department (HPD), Schofield Barracks Provost Marshal’s Office, Tripler Army Medical Center, and local emergency rooms were contacted. The Soldier was found dead at the scene later that day. He had completed the Basic RiderCourse 1, but did not have a motorcycle endorsement on his California driver’s license. Initial reports indicate speed is suspected as a contributing factor. The Soldier was wearing a helmet, but the use of other personal protective equipment is unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for HPD to release its final report.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the first PMV-2 fatality of FY23.


Never ride without a motorcycle license

In the U.S., you are required to have a motorcycle license or endorsement in addition to a driver's license to legally ride a motorcycle. Regulations vary by state, with some also requiring riders to pass a state-sponsored education course.

Taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) riding course can increase your skill as a motorcyclist and better prepare you to make emergency maneuvers when necessary. In some cases, passing an MSF course can lower your insurance costs and streamline the application process for a motorcycle license.


Always wear an adequate helmet

-Wearing a helmet significantly reduces your risk of serious head injury and death in the event of an accident. In some states, wearing a helmet is mandatory for some or all riders. You should wear a helmet every time you ride a motorcycle, even for short journeys.
-When buying a new helmet, make sure it meets the safety standards approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Approved helmets will display the DOT symbol (either painted or as a sticker), usually on the outside back of the helmet. Some helmets may also be certified by non-profit safety organizations, like ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and the Snell Memorial Foundation, but these certifications are optional. Check the label inside to see if the helmet is certified by one or more organization.
-Your helmet should have a thick polystyrene-foam inner liner, weigh about three pounds, and have a sturdy chin strap to hold the helmet on your head. Ideally, it should also have a face shield to protect your eyes, but you may choose to wear goggles instead.
-Replace your helmet about once every five years, unless it shows visible signs of damage (like a crack), in which case you should replace it immediately.


Check your bike before you ride

-Before every ride, do a quick check to make sure your bike is fit for the road. This includes checking that the tires are properly inflated and not worn down, and that everything is in working order, particularly the brakes. If you spot signs of a fluid or oil leak beneath the bike, or other signs of damage or overuse, don't risk riding it.
-Adjust your bike's suspension and tires every time you intend to carry a passenger or a load that's heavier than normal.

Sit down and hold tight
-Sit in the center of the seat, keeping both hands on the handlebars, except when signaling. If you have a passenger who is inexperienced in riding a motorcycle, explain safety measures to them before they ride.


Obey traffic laws and be aware of other vehicles

-In most collisions involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, the rider is not at fault. While you can't always account for what other drivers will do, you can reduce your risk of having an accident by obeying traffic laws, sticking to the speed limit, and not taking any unnecessary risks.
-In general, assume that drivers can't see you, and act accordingly. Pay close attention to the vehicles around you, especially if you notice that a driver isn't paying attention. Leave plenty of room (at least one car-length) between you and the vehicle in front, giving you time to react if the driver brakes suddenly. Be on the lookout for other vehicles that may change lanes and veer into your path, and always signal and look behind you before changing lanes yourself.
-When riding in heavy traffic, many motorcyclists prefer to ride in the far-left lane, leaving themselves one unobstructed side. The important thing is to leave yourself enough room to maneuver if something does go wrong. Remember, if a car hits you, you are more likely to be injured than the driver, so it pays to err on the side of caution.
-Splitting lanes (moving between vehicles in the space between lanes) is illegal in most states. Some studies suggest that lane-splitting in heavy traffic can reduce a rider's risk of being struck by another vehicle, particularly from behind when traffic is congested. Only split lanes if it is legal and be aware that this maneuver can sometimes aggravate drivers.


Watch for damaged roads and obstacles

-Motorcyclists need to be especially vigilant about road obstacles (like fallen branches and oil spills) and uneven surfaces (including potholes). A motorcycle has less contact with the road than a car, making it more likely to skid out of control. There is also a possibility that you could be thrown over the handlebars.
-If you can't avoid an obstacle in your path, try to slow down before riding over it. You should rise slightly off the seat to absorb the shock, gripping the handlebars tightly.


If you can, get a bike with an anti-lock brake system

-An anti-lock or anti-skid braking system (ABS) prevents the wheels of your motorcycle from locking when you brake hard, reducing your risk of skidding out of control. You are 37% less likely to be involved in a fatal crash if your motorcycle is equipped with ABS brakes.


Never ride under the influence or otherwise impaired

-You should never ride a motorcycle when your judgment, reaction time, alertness, balance, and other necessary riding skills are impaired. This includes riding when intoxicated or after taking drugs, including some medications. Drowsiness can also impair your ability to ride, so take a break when tired.


Adjust for inclement weather conditions

-Rain, snow, high winds, and other inclement weather conditions can make riding more dangerous. Adjust how you ride accordingly. On wet roads, for example, you should avoid making sudden turns since your margin for error is reduced and you may skid. If you don't feel comfortable riding in bad weather, leave the bike at home.


Dress for protection and visibility

-Loose, flapping clothing and exposed skin is the last thing you want when riding. Your arms and legs should be well covered, preferably in leather, and your shoes or boots should cover your ankles. Never wear shoes that are prone to slipping off, like sandals. To protect your hands and increase your grip, always wear gloves.
-To increase your visibility to other drivers, you should ideally wear bright clothing, and apply reflective material to your clothes and your bike.


Never take an unfamiliar bike into traffic

-Before taking any new or unfamiliar motorcycle into traffic, familiarize yourself with its handling and responsiveness in a controlled area, like a quiet street. This is especially true if you haven't ridden for some time.

Tips from Curtis Weyant from ConsumerSafety.org
 

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