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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 24-076 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-2
A Lieutenant Colonel assigned to San Antonio, Texas, died in a PMV-2 mishap 3 August 2024 at 1620 local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle when he was involved in a crash. Local police and emergency services responded, and he was pronounced dead while enroute to the local University hospital. He completed the Basic RiderCourse but was not wearing personal protective equipment. Speed and alcohol involvement are currently unknown.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 29th PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and below the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Per AR 385-10

Motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle rider protection. Commanders will ensure that all individuals covered by this regulation wear the following PPE while operating motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and ATVs on the installation and by all Soldiers who ride motorcycles and ATVs at any time on or off Army installations.

(1) Helmets.

(a) In the United States, meet FMVSS 218, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Standard, BS 6658, or Snell Standard according to DoDI 6055.04. The DOT symbol is on the outside back of the helmet, near the bottom.
(b) Outside the United States, meet the HN standards. If the HN has no standard, helmets must meet at a minimum DOT FMVSS.
(c) Properly fastened under the chin.

(2) Eye protection. Eye protection must meet or exceed ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 for impact and shatter resistance (includes goggles, wraparound glasses, or a full-face shield (properly attached to a helmet)). A windshield or fairing does not constitute eye protection.

(3) Foot protection. Foot protection includes sturdy over-the-ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles (durable leather or ballistic-type fabric athletic shoes that cover the ankles are acceptable).

(4) Protective clothing. Protective clothing includes long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full-fingered gloves or mittens made from leather or other abrasion-resistant material. Motorcycle jackets and pants constructed of abrasion-resistant materials (such as leather, Kevlar®, or Cordura®) and containing impact-absorbing padding are strongly encouraged. Riders are encouraged to select PPE that incorporates fluorescent colors and retro-reflective material.

Helmets
The most important protective gear.
Choose DOT compliant helmets for impact resistance and head injury prevention.
Full-face helmets offer additional comfort and protection.

Face Shields and Goggles
Essential for protecting the face from wind, insects, and debris.
Ensure they are impact-resistant and free of scratches.

Footwear
Over-the-ankle boots with oil-resistant soles provide protection against burns and impacts, and aid in maintaining grip.

Gloves
Full-fingered motorcycle gloves protect against various elements and injuries.
Ensure proper fit for optimal control and comfort.
Jackets, Pants, Riding Suits
Use leather or abrasion-resistant fabrics for protection.
Designed for comfort and crash protection, with features like wind flaps and fitted cuffs.

Overview
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 will also make it more vulnerable in a collision with larger, heavier passenger vehicles and trucks.

Motorcycling increased in popularity in the early 2000s with increases in both motorcycle registrations and VMT during that time. Since 2011, both registrations and VMT have remained relatively consistent (NCSA, 2000; NCSA, 2023).

Along with this growth in popularity and riding exposure was a rise in the number of crashes and fatalities involving motorcyclists. From 2000 to 2008 the number of motorcyclists killed in crashes increased by 83% and the number injured increased by 66% (NHTSA, 2011). Since 2015 more than 5,000 motorcyclists have been killed in traffic crashes annually (NCSA, 2023). Of increasing concern is the rise in fatal crashes since the COVID-19 pandemic for all road users, including motorcyclists (Office of Behavioral Safety Research, 2021).

Despite accounting for only 3.5% of registered vehicles, motorcyclists comprised 14% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2021. Additionally, motorcyclists were nearly 24 times more likely to die in traffic crashes per VMT than passenger car occupants (NCSA, 2023). Moreover, in 2021, per 100 million VMT, there were 30.68 motorcyclist fatalities compared to 1.22 passenger car occupant fatalities per 100 million VMT (NCSA, 2023).

Although motorcycles lack the protective vehicle structure of passenger vehicles, there are actions motorcyclists can take to protect themselves in a crash. Wearing a motorcycle helmet that meets the performance standards of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (Motorcycle Helmets, 49 CFR Part 571, 2011; “compliant helmet”) is one of the most effective ways to reduce the chance of serious injury or death in a crash. In 2021 some 39% of fatally injured motorcyclists were not wearing a helmet (NCSA, 2023). Research indicates that helmets reduce motorcycle rider fatalities by 22% to 42% and brain injuries by 41% to 69% (Coben et al., 2007; Cummings et al., 2006; Deuterman, 2004; NHTSA, 2003; NHTSA, 2006; NHTSA, 2019). A Cochrane Collaboration review of 61 studies concluded that risk reductions were on the high end of these ranges (Liu et al., 2008).

A study of hospital data in the 2013 National Trauma Data Bank compared medical outcomes of helmeted versus un-helmeted motorcyclists involved in a crash. Compared to helmeted motorcyclists, un-helmeted motorcyclists were more likely to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), more likely to need ventilation, and more likely to have clinical indicators of significant/severe injury (Patel et al., 2019). Another study found that riders who were wearing a helmet were less likely to have a cervical spine injury (Page et al., 2018). Notably, other studies have found no evidence that helmets increase the risk of neck injuries (Brewer et al., 2013; Potts et al., 2008, Strategy E1; NHTSA, 2000; Philip et al., 2013; Ulmer & Preusser, 2003).

Tips provided by AR 385-10, NHTSA and MSF
 

 

PLR 24-075 - Aviation Mishap Claims One Army Contractor's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Aviation

An Army Contractor at Fort Novosel, Alabama, died in an aviation mishap at local. During flight training with a student pilot, the aircraft had a catastrophic impact with the ground. The student pilot received minor injuries. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is investigating the mishap.

Since FY19, the Army has had an average of eight Class A aviation flight mishaps and lost an average of seven Soldiers per year to on-duty aviation mishaps. This was the 14th Class A aviation flight mishap of FY24 and six above the number of similar mishaps during the same time last year.

 

 

PLR 24-074 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

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

A 21-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, died in a PMV-2 mishap in Junction City, Kansas, at local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle on I-70 when he was involved in a head-on collision with a semi-truck in a construction zone. Local police and emergency services responded and pronounced him dead at the scene. He recently returned from a rotation in Europe and had not attended the motorcycle refresher course. He was properly licensed, wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment and had completed the Basic RiderCourse in . Speed or alcohol involvement are currently unknown.

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

Safety tip

Motorcycle refresher training (MRT). MRT is required for any (motorcycle-licensed and endorsed) Soldier owning a motorcycle and returning from a deployment greater than 180 days. A Soldier must attend MRT prior to operating his or her motorcycle on a public or private street or highway with the exception of riding to the training site or location. MRT will be conducted on the individual’s own motorcycle to confirm ability to safely handle his or her motorcycle. Training will be provided at the unit level utilizing USACRC MRT digital video disk (DVD), which is available online at https://safety.army.mil or by request. Based on MRT performance, commanders can refer motorcycle riders back to the Progressive Motorcycle Program for re-training if they question the operator’s safe riding skills.

Improve Your Motorcycling Skills and Safety with Training
Motorcycling is a unique experience. Whether you ride to and from work, prefer the camaraderie of a group ride on the weekend or enjoy the vistas of an off-pavement excursion, motorcycling engages all your senses and creates an exhilarating sense of freedom.

Along with that freedom comes responsibility, and it's crucial to take every safety precaution.

All states require some form of license to ride a motorcycle on the street, demonstrating a minimum level of riding skill and knowledge. Liability insurance also is required. If your state does not require a hands-on training course before applying for a license, consider taking one anyway to learn basic riding skills and how to stay safe in traffic.

Riding a motorcycle requires a heightened sense of awareness, and more strength and coordination than driving a car. Riding also involves some risks not encountered when driving other vehicles. Motorcycle riders require more maneuvering skill and are more vulnerable in a crash. Motorcycles are not as easily seen as cars or trucks because of their narrow profile. Other motorists, particularly those who don’t ride a motorcycle, may not be looking for motorcycles in traffic. This places the motorcyclist at risk, particularly at intersections.

All these risks can be managed through training and education.

 

 

PLR 24-073 - PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier’s Life

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

A 23-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Drum, New York, died in a PMV-4 mishap in Dexter, New York, at local. The Soldier’s vehicle ran off the road and into a river. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) responded, removed the Soldier from the submerged vehicle and began lifesaving measures. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the JCSO to release its final report.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 30th off-duty PMV-4 mishap of FY24 and above the number of PMV-4 fatalities for the same time last year.

 

 

PLR 24-072 - PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

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

A Specialist assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, died in a PMV-4 mishap in Pacifica, California, at local. While on leave, the Soldier was riding in a vehicle that went off a cliff. His body was recovered the following day. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for law enforcement to release its final report. Speed, seat belt use and alcohol involvement are currently unknown.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 29th off-duty PMV-4 mishap of FY24 and above the number of PMV-4 fatalities for the same time last year.

 

 
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