Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Private First Class assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in a PMV-4 mishap 15 June 2024 in Lakewood, Washington, at 0400 local. Two Soldiers were involved in a vehicle accident when their vehicle ran off the road and struck a tree. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) responded and pronounced Soldier No. 1 (driver) dead at the scene. Soldier No. 2 (passenger) was transported to the local hospital with non-fatal injuries. WSP suspects excessive speed was a contributing factor and Soldier No. 2 was wearing a seat belt. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the WSP 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 28th fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Dangers of Speeding
For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. In 2022, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities.

Speed also affects your safety even when you are driving at the speed limit but too fast for road conditions, such as during bad weather, when a road is under repair or in an area at night that isn’t well lit.

Speeding endangers not only the life of the speeder, but all of the people on the road around them, including law enforcement officers. It is a problem we all need to help solve.

By the Numbers
More than 12,000 people were killed in speed-related crashes in 2021 – an 8% increase from 2020. While drivers of all ages are represented in speeding-related crashes, data shows about 24% of drivers 18-44 involved in fatal crashes were speeding, and young men are the most likely to be speeding at the time of fatal crashes. In 2021, 35% of male drivers 15-20 and 31% of male drivers 21-24 involved in fatal crashes were speeding.

Know the Dangers of Speeding
No matter how advanced your driving skills are, speeding is dangerous. Speeding:

• Reduces your ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object or an unexpected curve;
• Extends the time it takes your vehicle to stop; and
• Increases the risk of a crash because other vehicles and pedestrians may not be able to judge your distance correctly.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/speeding-catches-up-with-you
Tips provided by CDC and NHSTA.

A 38-year-old Sergeant First Class assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in an off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap 12 June 2024 in Whiteville, Tennessee, at 1108 local. While on leave, the Soldier experienced a hard landing during a skydiving event. He was transported to the local hospital, where he was pronounced dead by the attending physician.

Since 2019, the Army has lost an average of 11 Soldiers a year to off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishaps. This was the third off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap of FY24 and above the number of off-duty sports, recreation and physical training fatalities from this time last year.

A 45-year-old Major assigned to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, died in an off-duty PMV-4 mishap 11 June 2024 in Greenfield, Wisconsin, at 1600 local. The Soldier was reportedly involved in a vehicle collision while on PCS leave. The specific circumstances of the mishap are currently unknown. 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 35 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 27th off-duty PMV-4 mishap of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

A Private assigned to Camp Vilseck, Germany, died in an off-duty other ground mishap 10 June 2024 in Rotterdam, New York, at 1800 local. While on block leave, the Soldier attended a party and was found unresponsive the following morning. The unit received a serious incident report from New York Mortuary Affairs. The unit/safety points of contact are awaiting local law enforcement's final investigation report.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of two Soldiers a year to off-duty other ground mishaps. This mishap was the first off-duty other ground fatality of FY24.

A 29-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Cavazos, Texas, died in a PMV-2 mishap 9 June 2024 in Killeen, Texas, at 0110 local. The Soldier was riding from a pool hall to his home when he was struck by a vehicle at an intersection. The Killeen Police Department (KPD) responded and transported him to the local emergency room, where he was pronounced dead. The Soldier was not wearing personal protective equipment, registered as a motorcycle rider or had a record of motorcycle safety training. Speed and the alcohol involvement are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the KPD to release its final report.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 23rd off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

1. Utilize road awareness and effective riding strategies:
   • Implement the SEE system (Search, Evaluate, Execute) for heightened road awareness.
   • Be extra alert at intersections, on side streets, near driveways and in parking lots.
   • Give yourself space and time as you search for traps and escape paths.
   • Give other motorists time and space to respond to you.
   • Use lane positioning to see and be seen.
   • Search for vehicles that may turn across your path, especially at intersections.
   • Use your turn signals for all turns and lane changes.
   • Ride as if you’re invisible.
   • Don’t ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
   • Know and follow the rules of the road.
   • Utilizing techniques for increasing your visibility to others and enhancing your ability to see other road users are vital for safety, especially at intersections.
2. Always wear the mandatory gear for riders:
   • A helmet manufactured to meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or Snell standards
   • Eye protection that meets ANSI code Z87.1
   • Long pants and long-sleeved shirt
   • Sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear
   • Full-fingered gloves
   • Use bright clothing and a light-colored helmet to increase the chances of being seen.
   • Always dress for a crash as well as for the ride.
3. Legal responsibilities: Understand your legal responsibilities, which cover licensing requirements and the necessity of having insurance. Adhering to these legalities ensures a safe and lawful riding experience.
4. Train to ride safe: The Progressive Motorcycle Program training provides courses that are designed to keep motorcycle operator training current and to sustain or enrich rider skills. Riders must learn and adopt the basic and advanced skills of straight-line riding, turning, clutch/throttle control, shifting and stopping, cornering, swerving and emergency braking.