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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 24-003 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles
A 25-year-old Sergeant assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, died in a PMV-2 mishap 7 October 2023 in Crestview, Florida, at 1227 local. The Soldier was riding southbound when he was struck by a civilian vehicle making a left-hand turn. Local law enforcement responded and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The Soldier was licensed and had completed the Basic RiderCourse on 20 April 2023. He was wearing all the required personal protective equipment. Speed or 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 27 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the first PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
 

Safety tip 

Recent statistics reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggest that many motorcycle accidents happen at intersections when a motorist makes a left turn in front of a motorcyclist traveling straight, thereby failing to yield the right-of-way to the motorcyclist. These are potentially deadly motorcycle accidents because the rider will either strike the side of the car turning left, possibly flipping the bike over the car, or will need to make a very risky maneuver to avoid doing so. Such emergency swerves often end poorly for even the most experienced motorcyclist. 

NHSTA estimates that these unsafe left turns accounted for over 40 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents involving a collision between a motorcycle and another vehicle. Accidents of this sort happen for a couple of reasons. First, motorcycles are just harder for drivers to see, so a driver who is even slightly inattentive when turning left may never notice an approaching motorcycle. Moreover, although probably not intentionally, drivers do tend to easily forget about or ignore motorcycles that are on the road. 

Another reason these accidents happen is that it can be very hard for a driver who is getting ready to turn left to determine the actual speed of an approaching motorcycle, as well as how far the motorcycle is from the intersection. The end result is a driver who gets a little impatient may wind up pulling out in front of the oncoming motorcycle. 

The bottom line is that while common, these failure-to-yield accidents are entirely preventable. All motorists need to do is check and double-check before turning left. If they do see an oncoming motorcycle, it’s probably best to let it go by. If a motorist does not follow these simple tips and causes an accident, they may be liable to pay compensation. 

To avoid left-turn accidents on motorcycles, you should: 

  • Slow down when approaching intersections. 
  • Always assume that oncoming cars will turn left at the intersection. 
  • Always assume the oncoming driver does not see you. 
  • Always have an “out” planned before you need it. 
  • Cover your brakes to reduce your reaction time. 
  • Increase your visibility by wearing high-visibility or bright clothing and making sure your riding gear has a reflective design. 
  • Ride in the best spot possible by varying speed and lane position. 
  • Plan escape routes to take evasive action if a driver violates a right-of-way. 
  • Ride within your limits. 
     

 

 

PLR 23-110 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles
A 28-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Drum, New York, died in a PMV-2 mishap 22 September 2023 in Pamelia, New York, at 2050 local. The Soldier was riding at a high rate of speed when he lost control, exited the roadway and struck a road sign. He was ejected from his bike and came to rest in a field adjacent to the highway. A bystander notified 911. The New York State Police (NYSP) responded, and life-saving measures were administered but unsuccessful. The Soldier reportedly was wearing the required personal protective equipment and completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse in October 2018. The involvement of alcohol is currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for NYSP to release its final report.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 37th PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

Safety tip

Crash Characteristics
Information about the environment surrounding the motorcyclist fatalities in 2021 included land use, motorcyclist location, light condition, weather and functional system. In 2021 (based on known values):
 
  • 67 percent of the motorcycle fatalities occurred in urban areas compared to 33 percent in rural areas.

  • 65 percent occurred at locations that were not intersections compared to 35 percent at intersections.

  • 97 percent occurred in clear/cloudy conditions compared to 2 percent in rain conditions and 1 percent in snow/sleet, fog or other conditions.

  • 57 percent occurred during daylight compared to 39 percent in the dark, 4 percent during dusk and 1 percent during dawn.

  • 92 percent occurred on non-interstate roads compared to 8 percent on interstates.

    NHTSA Key Findings
     
  • In 2021 there were 5,932 motorcyclists killed, 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. This is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since FARS started data collection in 1975.

  • The number of motorcyclist fatalities in 2021 increased by 8 percent from 2020.

  • 36 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2021 were riding without valid motorcycle licenses.

  • Motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes at night were three times more frequently found to be alcohol-impaired than those killed during the day (42% and 16%) in 2021.

  • 33 percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2021 were speeding, compared to 22 percent for passenger car drivers, 15 percent for light-truck drivers, and 7 percent for large-truck drivers.

  • Motorcycles were more frequently involved in fatal collisions with fixed objects than other vehicle types. Twenty-four percent of motorcycles involved in fatal crashes in 2021 collided with fixed objects, compared to 17 percent for passenger cars, 12 percent for light trucks and 4 percent for large trucks.

    Tips provide by NHTSA

    2021 Data: Motorcycles (dot.gov)
     

 

PLR 23-108 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles
A 21-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap 21 September 2023 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, at 1145 local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle when he lost control and was ejected from his bike, striking a road sign. Fort Liberty emergency medical services personnel responded and transported him to the local medical center, where he was pronounced dead. Speed was reportedly a contributing factor. The Soldier was licensed, had completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse on 28 February 2023 and was wearing the required personal protective equipment.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 36th PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

Safety tip

A motorcycle is inherently more difficult to operate than a passenger vehicle because it requires more physical skill and strength. The relationship of motorcycle speed and stability is also a critical consideration when riding a motorcycle, as the stability of a motorcycle is relative to speed. As speed increases, the motorcycle becomes more stable, requiring less effort from the operator to maintain its balance, even as it becomes less maneuverable. At lower speeds, the motorcycle becomes less stable, requiring greater effort from the operator to balance it.

NHTSA considers a 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-three percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2021 were speeding, compared to 22 percent for passenger car drivers, 15 percent for light-truck drivers and 7 percent for large-truck drivers.

Tip provided by NHTSA
 

 

 

PLR 23-106 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles
A 27-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap 17 September 2023 at 1420 local. The Soldier was reportedly involved in a collision with another vehicle on Interstate 95. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) responded to the scene. The Soldier was transported to a hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he died upon arrival. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including the use of personal protective equipment, speed or the involvement of alcohol as contributing factors, are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for NCSHP to release its final report.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 35th PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
 

 

PLR 23-105 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles
A 25-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Johnson, Louisiana, died in a PMV-2 mishap 12 September 2023 in Alexandria, Louisiana, at 2134 local. The Soldier was riding while his family followed in a car when a vehicle failed to yield and pulled out in front of him. The Alexandria Police Department (APD) responded and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The Soldier was properly licensed and completed the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation training. The use of personal protective equipment, speed or alcohol is currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for APD to release its final report.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 34th PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

Safety tip

Riding a motorcycle is fun and freeing, but it can also be risky. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely to suffer an accident-related fatality than drivers of other vehicles. And riding at night introduces additional risks.

If you need or want to ride your motorcycle at night, take extra precautions to help protect yourself and others. Here are 10 safety tips you can implement each time you go for a night ride on your motorcycle.

1) Understand the dangers of riding at night

Many road dangers that exist during the day for motorcyclists are amplified at night. For example, it may be harder for other drivers to see you, and you face an increased risk of encountering drunk drivers. Except for the rush hour times of 3–6 p.m., more motorcyclists die in nighttime accidents than during the daylight hours.

Decreased visibility

Even during the day, other motorists often fail to notice motorcyclists. With little to no light at night, their visibility is more limited, putting you at a higher risk of not being seen until a collision is unavoidable.

As you’d expect, your own ability to see is dramatically reduced at night. Your visibility is often limited to whatever appears in your headlight beams and the lights of other vehicles around you.

2) Make sure your lights are working

If any of the lights on your motorcycle aren’t working or aren’t angled properly, it could severely reduce your ability to see—and other drivers’ ability to see you.

Before you do any night riding, make sure every light on every part of your motorcycle is working. You may need someone to help you check all the lights.

3) Use your high beams

As long as you’re not blinding other drivers, use your high beams as much as possible to reduce eye strain and increase your range of vision.

To avoid shining your high beams at other drivers, switch them off as you approach vehicles going the opposite direction, and turn them off if you’re closely following another vehicle.

4) Don’t look directly at oncoming headlights

As noted above, oncoming headlights can be blinding. Instead of looking directly into them, try looking at the right-edge line on the side of the road ahead. This will keep you within your lane and headed in the right direction. Don’t look down and away—it could cause you to inadvertently steer out of your lane.

5) Consider wearing night riding glasses

While dark-tinted visors or sunglasses work great for bright sunny days, these items can impede your vision at night. Instead, consider wearing yellow-tinted visors, photochromic visors, clear glasses.

6) Clear your helmet’s visor

While it’s easy to ignore some dirt, dead bugs, and smudges on your helmet’s visor during the day, these things can impair your vision at night.

7) Make yourself visible

High-visibility clothing is designed with reflective surfaces and bright fluorescent colors that help make you more visible at night. One study found that motorcyclists who wear high-visibility clothing are 37 percent less likely to be involved in a crash.

Use reflective tape

To make you more visible, consider adding retro-reflective strips of tape to your motorcycle and your riding gear.

Add more lights
 
  • Brake light flashers: Brake light flashers modify your brake lights to flash rapidly when you apply the brakes.

  • LED lights: LED lights are brighter they can help you see farther and make you more visible to other drivers at night.

  • Headlight modulator: A headlight modulator switches your low beams from a steady light to a pulsing beam.

  • Auxiliary lights: Instead of replacing your current lights, you can add extra lights to your motorcycle.

8) Leverage the lights of other vehicles

Your motorcycle’s headlights are limited in how much of the road they can show you. Use the lights from other vehicles to your advantage. If you’re behind another vehicle, scan the road ahead to see if their headlights expose any road hazards, like a pothole or road debris.

9) Maintain safe driving distances

When driving at night, give yourself more time and space between vehicles than you might during the day. With limited visibility, it’s harder to see potential obstacles in front of you. The more space you give yourself to stop, the greater your chances will be of stopping safely and avoiding an accident.

10) Take breaks when needed

Riding a motorcycle at night can be particularly tiring because of the limited visibility and intense concentration needed.


Tips provide by IIHS and Dairyland Insurance.
 

 

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