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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 24-089 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles

A 26-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Drum, New York, died in a PMV-2 mishap in Evans Mills, New York, at local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle when he lost control, exited the roadway and struck a drainage ditch. He was reportedly wearing the proper personal protective equipment. Speed, alcohol/drug use and training are currently unknown. The New York State Police are leading the investigation.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 34th PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety tip

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines a crash to be speeding-related if any driver involved in the crash is charged with a speeding-related offense or if a police officer indicates that racing, driving too fast for conditions or exceeding the posted speed limit was a contributing factor in the crash. Speeding-related fatalities have generally decreased over the last decade, as shown in the figure below. However, speeding and racing increased during the early months of the pandemic in . In , there were 12,330 speeding-related fatalities, an increase of 8% from the 11,428 fatalities in (Stewart, ). Speeding was a contributing factor for 29% of fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States in , the highest percentage since (NCSA, ; Stewart, ). Speeding is legally defined by States and municipalities in terms of a “basic speed rule” and statutory maximum speed limits. The basic speed rule generally requires drivers to operate a vehicle at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for roadway conditions. Deciding to take enforcement action is at the law enforcement officer’s discretion, which may be affected by weather, surface conditions, traffic volume, and special locations (e.g., work zones, school zones, or other environmental conditions). Statutory speed limits set maximum limits for different types of roads, and generally apply to all roads of that type even when the limits are not posted. Generally applicable limits can be superseded by specific limits posted for roadway segments, usually determined by an engineering study.

Speeding can be dangerous on all types of roads, but particularly on non-interstate rural and urban roadways. In some 38% of speeding-related fatalities occurred on non-interstate rural roadways, another 49% on non-interstate urban roadways, 8% on interstate urban roadways, and 5% on interstate rural roadways (NCSA, ). These percentages do not, however, account for the extent of miles of each road type or VMT on these different road types.

Drivers widely admit to speeding in national surveys. Forty-three percent of drivers in a nationally representative online survey reported driving more than 15 mph over the limit on a freeway in the past month (AAAFTS, ). Almost the same percentage admitted to speeding more than 10 mph over the limit on a residential street within the past month.

Speeding becomes an element of aggressive driving when a vehicle’s speed substantially exceeds the prevailing travel speeds of other vehicles, and other driving behaviors contribute to unsafe conditions, such as tailgating, weaving, and rapid lane changes. Speeding is a more clearly defined problem than aggressive driving, and strategies to reduce speeding (and other serious traffic law violations) may provide a means to address the problem of aggressive driving. However, speeding is among the most complex traffic safety issues to address and requires a multi-disciplinary approach.

Tips provided by NHTSA.

 

 

PLR 24-088 – Military Parachuting Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Parachute

A 20-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in a military parachuting mishap on Fort Johnson, Louisiana, at local. The Soldier was conducting a training jump when he experienced a malfunction of a T-11 main parachute during an airborne operation after exiting the C-17 aircraft. The Soldier was airlifted to the local community hospital where he died. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is leading an investigation into the mishap.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of one Soldier a year to military parachuting mishaps. This mishap was the first military parachuting fatality of FY24 and equal to the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

 

 

PLR 24-087 – PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Automobiles

A 36-year-old Sergeant First Class assigned to Fort Huachuca, Arizona, died in a PMV-4 mishap in Tyler, Texas, at local. The Soldier was riding in a vehicle traveling westbound on the highway when a semi-truck traveling eastbound attempted to pass other vehicles and struck them head-on. The specific circumstances of the mishap are currently unknown.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 34th off-duty PMV-4 mishap of FY24 and below the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

In , head-on motor vehicle collisions were responsible for nearly 30% of the 16,700 U.S. roadway deaths that resulted from crashes with other vehicles, according to the National Safety Council (NSC).

You can help prevent a potential head-on collision before it occurs. The NSC has developed a lifesaving method for drivers to use: The four R’s.

Read the road ahead. Scan ahead to the top of the next hill, curve or intersection to recognize hazards. This’ll help you see and react faster if an oncoming vehicle crosses the centerline. Also, check the shoulder of the road to see if you’ve got room to pull over. Watch the space between the left front tire of any approaching vehicle and the center line. If the spacing is becoming smaller, that vehicle may be about to stray into your lane.

Drive to the right. Drive slightly to the right of center of your lane to create an extra space between you and other vehicles. On multi-lane roadways, leave one lane to the left open. When facing a head-on collision, drive right, onto the shoulder. Never swerve into the left lane. If the other driver instinctively pulls their vehicle back into the proper lane, you’ll have a collision in that lane.

Reduce your speed. If you see a hazard ahead, immediately reduce your speed. This gives you extra time and gives the oncoming driver time to recover and move back into the correct lane. Don’t slam on the brakes or swerve. And never stop your vehicle. If you stop completely, you may be struck from behind – and potentially pushed forward into the oncoming vehicle.

Ride off the road. If you have to choose between a head-on collision and riding onto the shoulder, your chances of survival are much better on the shoulder. If you must hit something, steer your vehicle to hit the object with a glancing blow rather than head-on. Every inch off center reduces the impact of the collision – and increases your chance for survival.

 

 

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

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Automobiles
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.
 

 
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