Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 33-year-old Sergeant assigned to the United States Army Reserve, Clackamas, Oregon, died in a PMV-2 mishap 3 June 2023 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 1930 local. The Soldier was riding his sport bike when he lost control and struck a guardrail. Emergency medical services responded and transported the Soldier to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Soldier had a valid state license, was current on all Army-mandated motorcycle training and was wearing a certified motorcycle helmet at the time of the mishap. The safety point of contact is awaiting the local law enforcement report and toxicology results.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 22nd PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and below the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

Safety tip

 

For more information on preventing off-duty PMV-2 mishaps, check out the Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation. The full presentation includes a section on PMV-2s, or you can view individual topics at https://safety.army.mil/ODSAP.
 

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A 22-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died from injuries sustained in a PMV-2 mishap that occurred 28 May 2023 at 2300 local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle when an unidentified vehicle collided with him in a hit-and-run. Emergency medical services transported the Soldier to the local hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries before slipping into a coma. The Soldier was removed from life support and died 15 June 2023. His motorcycle licensing, Army-mandated training certifications and proper personal protective equipment use are unknown at this time. The safety point of contact is awaiting further information and toxicology from local law enforcement.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 21st PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and equal to the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
 

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A 23-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a PMV-2 mishap 2 June 2023 at 2129 local. The Soldier departed a local restaurant traveling southbound when he struck a car that pulled out in front of him. Three members from the unit were with the Soldier and responded to his aid at the scene. They called local emergency medical services, who transported the Soldier to a local medical facility, where he was pronounced dead. The Soldier was state licensed with six years of riding experience. He completed the Basic RiderCourse 24 October 2021. The safety point of contact is awaiting further mishap specifics from local law enforcement, to include personal protective equipment and toxicology.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 20th PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and equal to the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

Safety tip

Motorcycle accidents caused by left-turning cars

The most common motorcycle accident happens when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of you. This is the single most dangerous situation for motorcyclists, accounting for 42% of all accidents involving a motorcycle and car. Usually, the turning car strikes the motorcycle when the motorcycle is:

• Going straight through an intersection


• Passing the car


• Trying to overtake the car

This type of accident is common between two regular cars as well; however, a motorcycle’s size and lack of protection make these accidents much more dangerous for riders. When a vehicle hits another vehicle while making a left-hand turn, it will most likely be found at fault for the accident. However, if the motorcyclist was breaking some law or driving in an unsafe way, then that may not be the case.

How to avoid a left-turn motorcycle crash

To avoid this accident, as is the case with most situations, you need to be able to anticipate the other driver’s next move. This is the best way to stay safe, apart from the usual defensive driving methods and wearing your protective gear. Look for indicators that someone may be about to turn in front of you. For example:

• A car is at an intersection, waiting to turn.


• There's a gap in the traffic in front of you while someone is waiting to go.


• They do a last-second “look both ways” head maneuver.

If you notice anything like this, which you should definitely be looking out for, begin to slow down. Move over to the outside lane away from the car and prepare to brake or take evasive action. Even if you cannot see a car waiting to turn, you should assume that a reasonable gap in front of you will invite another driver to pull out.

Psychologically, car drivers are not looking for motorcyclists. They have trained their brains to only look for large vehicles because that is what they're driving. Combine this with the fact that motorcyclists can be hard to see and you have a dangerous situation.

Also, try to make eye contact with the other driver. If they see you looking at them — and you see them looking at you — there is a good chance they know you are there and will not pull out. Also, check for things obstructing their view; notice which way their tires are pointing; notice if they're actively observing all traffic around them or looking down at their phone.

Tips provided by Dolman Law Group
 

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A 23-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a PMV-2 mishap 29 May 2023 at 2234 local. The Soldier was riding his sport bike when he collided with a vehicle that turned in front of him. Emergency medical services responded and transported the Soldier to the local hospital, where he died from his injuries. The Soldier had a valid state motorcycle license and completed the Basic RiderCourse in September 2021. The safety point of contact is awaiting further information from local law enforcement, to include personal protective equipment use and the toxicology report.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 19th PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and equal to the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

Safety tip

What can riders do to share the road more safely?

1. Wear a helmet!

Hopefully you already have this one covered … no pun intended! A helmet is essential for safe riding. Helmets are your best defense against a serious brain injury should you get in a motorcycle accident. Not all states require that you wear a helmet, but you should. Make sure it fits securely and is up to the highest safety standards.

2. Get comfortable with your motorcycle.

Each motorcycle is unique, so if you’ve upgraded or gotten a new one, you should take some time to try it out and get familiar with its quirks in a controlled environment. Spend some time getting to know how your motorcycle handles turns, your weight, and familiarize yourself with where all its bells and whistles are located, so you won’t be fishing around during a ride!

3. Check your bike before every ride.

A quick check to ensure everything is in working order will save you from starting a doomed trip. Check your tires (their pressure and depth), turn signals, hand and foot brakes, as well as and your fluid levels before departing from home. After that, a quick look to ensure nothing is leaking and you’ll be ready to ride.

4. Ride defensively.

Do not assume you can be seen by drivers on the road. Motorcycles are smaller than cars and you can easily slip into a driver’s blind spot. Keep your lights on while riding and try to wear bright or reflective clothing.

When riding, do so defensively. This means giving yourself plenty of room to make turns and change lanes, driving within the speed limit and assuming drivers won’t be able to see what you’re doing. Recklessly cutting in front of cars could land you in the hospital … or worse.

5. Obey the rules of the road.

The best way to stay safe is to ride as safely as possible! Follow all lane markings, posted signs and speed limits. Yield to those who have the right of way and avoid speeding and cutting off others — you never know when road conditions could change.

6. Be aware of the weather.

Changes in weather can be dangerous for motorcycles, as slippery roads can cause you to lose control. Be aware of conditions for the day before you set out, and have a plan for what to do if the weather worsens.

7. Don’t drink and drive.

Motorcyclists are more likely to die in a drunk driving crash than drivers. Don’t become a sad statistic. Be sure to avoid driving under any kind of influence, when drowsy and while distracted.

Motorcycle safety tips for car drivers
What can drivers do to share the road more safely? Check out these safety tips for drivers:

1. Beware your blind spots.

Motorcycles are smaller than cars so they can be doubly as difficult to see when turning or switching lanes. Be sure to make a visual check as well as use your mirrors when turning or merging.

2. Slow down behind motorcycles.

Motorcycles don’t handle the road the same way as cars, and can be much more sensitive to changes on the road. Motorcycles can also maneuver much faster than cars, so slow your roll to make sure you have time to react.

3. Don’t tailgate.

Leaving room between you and a motorcycle in front of you is essential to helping prevent accidents. Giving yourself room will give you time and space to react if the motorcyclist makes a quick, unexpected turn.

4. Use your turn signals.

Regardless of whether motorcycles are on the road or not, you should use your turn signals to help others on the road anticipate your next move.

5. Dim your headlights.

High beams are more blinding for motorcyclists, so it is important to be sure to dim them when you pass them on the roads at night.

6. Be careful taking left turns.

With any turns, be aware of motorcycles on the road and how fast they are going if you are turning. Left turns can be particularly dangerous due to your blind spots.

7. Don’t drink and drive.

You should never drink and drive. Drinking and driving or distracted driving makes sharing the road more dangerous for everyone.

Tips provided by Insurance Industry
 

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A 25-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in a PMV-2 mishap 25 May 2023 at 2345 local. The Soldier and his spouse were riding at night with a group of other riders when he lost control negotiating a curve at a high rate of speed. The motorcycle crashed into a concrete barrier and hit a light pole, and the Soldier and his spouse died at the scene. The Soldier was a state-licensed motorcyclist and scheduled to attend the Basic RiderCourse on 19 July 2023. At the time of the mishap, he was not wearing a helmet; however, his spouse was wearing a helmet. No other personal protective equipment can be confirmed for either person at this time. The safety point of contact is awaiting the toxicology report and official pronouncement of death for the Soldier and his spouse.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 18th PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and is below the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

Safety tip

Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2021, there were 5,932 motorcyclists killed — 14% of all traffic fatalities. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data show that this is the highest number of motorcyclists killed at least since 1975. To keep everyone safe, we urge drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert, and we're reminding motorcyclists to make themselves visible, to use U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant motorcycle helmets and to always ride sober.

Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (24.6%).

Drivers or motorcycle riders are alcohol-impaired when their blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) are .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher.

In 2020 motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than drivers of any other motor vehicle type (27% for motorcycles, 23% for passenger cars, 19% for light trucks, and 3% for large trucks).

Motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes at night were three times more frequently alcohol-impaired than those killed during the day in 2020.

In states without universal helmet laws, 57% of motorcyclists killed in 2020 were not wearing helmets, as compared to 11 percent in states with universal helmet laws.

Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatalities to motorcycle riders and 41% for motorcycle passengers. In other words, for every 100 motorcycle riders killed in crashes while not wearing helmets, 37 of them could have been saved had all 100 worn helmets.

In Texas, 50% of motorcyclists involved in a fatal motorcycle mishap were not wearing a helmet and 40% of the 5,579 motorcyclists killed nationwide in traffic crashes were not helmeted, based on known helmet use.

Important safety reminders for motorcyclists:
 

• Wearing a helmet is the single most effective way to protect yourself from a head injury. Use a motorcycle helmet for every ride, and ensure your passengers also use a helmet.


• Make sure your helmet has a valid U.S. DOT label; the label means the helmet meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards – this is also known as the FMVSS 218 standard. Novelty helmets without this label may not meet the same standard and will not provide the best protection needed in a crash.


• Check the fit of your helmet to ensure optimal protection.


• Wear protective gear like a sturdy jacket, pants, boots, and gloves; safety gear provide protection in case of falls or crashes and improves comfort during the ride.


• Make yourself visible by using high-visibility colors and retro-reflective materials to maximize the ability of drivers to see you.


• Motorcycle riding requires full attention, skill and coordination. Avoid combining riding with drinking alcohol or using other impairing drugs.

  For drivers:
 

• Always be on the lookout for motorcyclists.


• A motorcycle’s smaller size means it can be hidden in your vehicle’s blind spot.


• A motorcycle’s size and narrow profile can make it difficult to judge its distance and speed. Take extra care in judging when to turn or merge.


• Keep a safe distance from the motorcycle in front of you; motorcyclists can slow their motorcycles by downshifting instead of using their brakes. This means the brake lights won’t come on.


• Remember that motorcyclists sometimes change positions in their lane to avoid debris on the road.

Tips provided from NHTSA — NHTSA’s Research and Program Development
 

• In the spotlight — The 2023 Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation provides additional information to include videos, statistics and risk mitigation measures in preventing PMV-2 mishaps. Visit https://safety.army.mil/ODSAP for more information.

 

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