Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 19-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a PMV-4 mishap 13 July 2023 at 0120 local. The Soldier was driving when a vehicle in the oncoming lane crossed over the median and collided head-on. The Soldier, his spouse and the driver of the other vehicle all died at the scene. It is unknown at this time if the Soldier was wearing his seat belt or if alcohol or drugs were contributors. The safety point of contact is awaiting further information from local law enforcement.
Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 26th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip
Head-on motor vehicle collisions are deadly. In 2019, they 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 centerline. 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 must 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.

Tips from the NSC
 

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A 19-year-old Private First Class assigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, died in an off-duty water-related mishap 7 July 2023 in Neptune City, New Jersey, at 1800 local. While on leave, the Soldier was swimming 30 meters offshore with four friends when he suddenly submerged without notice. Local police were contacted and retrieved the Soldier after being underwater for 20 minutes. The police started CPR, established a heartbeat and transported him to the local hospital, where he was placed on a ventilator. The Soldier was removed from life support and died 11 July 2023. Alcohol and drug use is currently unknown.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to off-duty water-related mishaps. This mishap was the third off-duty water-related fatality of FY23.

Safety tip

Swimming in lakes, rivers and oceans
Swimming in open water (lakes, rivers, ponds and the ocean) is harder than in a pool. People tire faster and get into trouble more quickly. A person can go underwater in a murky lake, making them very hard to find or be swept away in currents.
 

• Swim in a lifeguarded area, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.


• Be cautious of sudden drop-offs in lakes and rivers. People who can't swim or aren't strong swimmers have slipped into deeper water and drowned.


• Stay sober when on or in the water. Alcohol and other drugs increase the effects of weather, temperature and wave action.


• The Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation includes a section dedicated to water-related activities which contains statistics, contributing factors, prevention tips and other relevant information. You can download the full presentation or the Water-Related Activities breakout from the In the Spotlight Series at: https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Home-and-Family/Off-Duty-Safety-Awareness-Presentation-2023.

 

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A 36-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to United States Army South died in an off-duty water-related mishap 3 July 2023 in San Antonio, Texas, at 0930 local. A group of Soldiers was fishing on Calaveras Lake in a privately owned boat when the operator turned the boat to maneuver to another fishing site. While turning, another Soldier stood up and fell into the lake. He treaded water briefly and began to call for help. The Soldier operating the boat stopped and entered the water to assist but was unable to rescue the other Soldier. The two other Soldiers remained in the boat and moved to shore. At 0935, nearby civilians notified 911. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Department, San Antonio Fire Department, game warden and emergency medical technicians with helicopter support initiated search-and-rescue efforts. The Soldier’s body was recovered the next day.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to off-duty water-related mishaps. This mishap was the second off-duty water-related mishap of FY23

Safety tip

Safety tips to prevent an overboard mishap
One of the most common causes of an overboard and subsequently drowning is an onboard member standing in an unsecured position and falls over the side of the boat.
 

• Prepare for emergency situations beforehand. Overboard victims face a number of dangers, including panic, injury during the fall, and hypothermia. For those aboard the boat, quick thinking and coordinated action are essential to an effective rescue.


• While on board you should always strive to have three points of contact with the boat.


• This means, you should have both feet planted and
• holding on with at least one hand.


• If you are moving about, hold on with both hands to something firm like a grab rail or stanchion and take one step at a time.


• If seated, have your feet touching the floor or holding on with both hands.


• Having three points of contact assures that your body is positioned in such a way that the majority of your body is in contact with the boat, and you won't be set off-balance easily.


• Avoid standing and sudden movements whenever operating your boat and plan ahead to avoid unsafe operating and environmental conditions like bad weather or rough water.


• If the boat is in operation while standing, assure solid footing and brace yourself if it has a leaning post or bolster chair.


• Always wear your engine cut-off lanyard so that the engine stops if you go overboard.


• Before departing on your boat venture, ensure everyone on board knows where the life-saving gear is located and how to use it.

Life jacket safety
A life jacket (or personal flotation device - PFD) is the single most important piece of equipment on your boat. More than two-thirds of all boating fatalities are drowning incidents and 90% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.
 

• There should be at least one life jacket for each person aboard.


• Life jackets should be properly sized for each person aboard.


• Selecting a proper life jacket and wearing it is the best thing a boater can do to ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water. A hang tag with important information will accompany each new life jacket.


• Children under a certain age are required to wear their life jacket (typically under 13 – see state requirements).


• Participants engaged in certain water sports are required to wear a life jacket (typically skiing and personal watercraft operation – see state requirements).


• These life jackets should be readily accessible and not in an out-of-reach location or in original packaging.


• If throwable devices are on board, they should be immediately available for use.


• A life jacket should be viewed as an investment. You should care for it like you would anything else aboard that depends on proper function, with the exception this one could save your life!

 

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A 20-year-old Specialist assigned to Vilseck, Germany, died in a PMV-4 mishap 30 June 2023 at 1955 local. A group of Soldiers was traveling in a vehicle when the driver ran off the road and struck a tree. The German polizei responded and pronounced the rear passenger dead at the scene. The driver and front passenger were wearing seat belts; however, it is currently unknown if the rear passenger was wearing a seat belt. Speed reportedly was a contributing factor in this mishap. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the German polizei to release its final report.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 24th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Speeding awareness.
For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. Speeding is more than just breaking the law. The consequences are far-ranging:

• Greater potential for loss of vehicle control


• Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment


• Decreased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger


• Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries

Safety driving tips

• Give yourself more time: You can start by leaving a few minutes early, that might mean you have to wake up a little earlier as well. Always take into consideration how long the drive from point A to point B, factoring in time if the time of day will have more traffic.


• Note speed limits wherever you drive: It’s all too easy to go with what feels comfortable and not worry about what the speed limit sign says. But speed limits are set with safety in mind, factoring safety and road conditions. Make sure you’re paying attention to and following speed limits.


• Identify triggers: Speeding doesn’t always happen when you’re running late. Stress and anger could be triggers as well. Learning your personal triggers can help you learn how to stop speeding all together.


• Check your speedometer: Might seem silly but just like any other mechanical or electronic component, your vehicles speedometer can get out of alignment. If you find yourself passing other vehicles often, yet your speedometer says you’re going the speed limit, you might want to go to auto repair shop to have your mechanic look at your speedometer.


• Use the cruise control: This is the easiest way to prevent speeding! You can easily set the pace you want based on the current traffic and speed limit for the road you’re on. *Be sure to cancel the cruise control if you find yourself in a high-risk area like active construction zone and never use cruise control in wet or icy weather.


• Check your tires: You will wear your tires out quicker by driving fast often. Bald tires or those with low air could cause tire blowouts when driving.


• Use calming exercises: If you find that one of your triggers to speeding is stress or anger, calming exercise like breathing routines could help reduce these feelings – and your speed. You may have to experiment with different methods to take your mind off your stress or anger, such as listening to calming music or breathing exercises.


• Try technology aka cell phone: No, I do not mean use your cell phone while driving, however, some apps can be used safely and help you drive slower. Most navigating apps have built-in speed monitoring when you set a route. The app will notify you when you have started going too fast.


• Know the cost: If you haven’t had a speeding ticket yet, you will. Research the speeding laws in your local area and state. You might be surprised the financial cost of just one speeding ticket. Too many tickets could also lead to a suspended license. Not only does speeding cost you with legal fees, but you will also likely pay more at the pump if you regularly speed. Going faster uses more gas. A couple extra bucks that pump today might not seem like much, but it does add up.


• Find adrenaline rushes elsewhere: If you are an adrenaline junkie, you might feel like you need to drive fast for the thrill. Rather than making public roads less safe, consider moving your need for speed to another activity.


• Don’t keep up with speeders: Even if you’re obeying the speed limit, others may not. Resist the temptation to keep up with them and avoid letting them influence your driving habits to get you to go faster. Simply let them go around.


• Don’t keep up with speeders: Even if you’re obeying the speed limit, others may not. Resist the temptation to keep up with them and avoid letting them influence your driving habits to get you to go faster. Simply let them go around.


• Always stay aware of the situation: If traffic is slowing down ahead of you, there’s probably a good reason. You should slow down, too, avoiding any hazards up ahead.


• Don’t be intimidated by tailgaters: Some speeders will even ride your tail in an attempt to intimidate other drivers into driving faster. Don’t let this happen. Keep a safe speed and allow speeding tailgaters to go around you or move over to a right lane so they can easily pass you on the left.


• Stop speeding before it stops you.

 

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A 22-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas was the single occupant in a PMV-4 rollover on 3 July 2023 at 0715 local. The Soldier was ejected and was found unconscious 50 feet from his vehicle. Emergency medical services life flighted the Solider to a local hospital where the medical trauma team performed emergency surgery due to traumatic brain injury. The Soldier was placed in intensive care following surgery but died later that evening from his injuries. The Soldier was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the rollover. Drugs and alcohol are not considered contributing factors in this mishap.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 23rd PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

 

Safety tip
If someone told you there’s a secret to significantly cutting your chance of a fatal injury in a motor vehicle crash, you’d want to know it, right?

It’s called a seat belt. Spread the word.

In the instant you buckle up before driving or riding in the front seat of a car or truck, you cut your risk of a fatal injury in a crash nearly in half. That’s a huge return on the investment of the mere seconds it takes to put on a seat belt.

One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. Many Americans understand the lifesaving value of the seat belt – the national use rate was at 91.6% in 2022. Seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017. Understand the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt and learn what you can do to make sure you and your family are properly buckled up every time.

 

Overview
One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. Many Americans understand the lifesaving value of the seat belt – the national use rate was at 91.6% in 2022. Seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017. Understand the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt and learn what you can do to make sure you and your family are properly buckled up every time.

 

Seat belts save lives
Seat belt use rate in 2022 was at 91.6% 50% percentage of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2021 who were unrestrained.

In 2021, 26,325 passenger vehicle occupants were killed. About 50% of those killed were not buckled (based on known seat belt use.)

Seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives and could have saved an additional 2,549 people if they had been wearing seat belts, in 2017 alone.

 

The consequences of not wearing, or improperly wearing, a seat belt are clear:

Traffic safety facts

1. Buckling up helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle, whereas not buckling up can result in being totally ejected from the vehicle in a crash, which is almost always deadly.

2. Air bags are not enough to protect you; in fact, the force of an air bag can seriously injure or even kill you if you’re not buckled up.

3. Improperly wearing a seat belt, such as putting the strap below your arm, puts you and your children at risk in a crash.

The benefits of buckling up are equally clear:

a. If you buckle up in the front seat of a passenger car, you can reduce your risk of:

• Fatal injury by 45% (Kahane, 2015)


• Moderate to critical injury by 50%


 

b. If you buckle up in a light truck, you can reduce your risk of:

• Fatal injury by 60% (Kahane, 2015)


• Moderate to critical injury by 65% (NHTSA, 1984)


 

The top 5 things you should know about buckling up

 

57% of those killed during the nighttime in 2021 were unrestrained

1. Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.
Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle; being completely ejected from a vehicle is almost always deadly.

2. Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them.
If you don’t wear your seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag. Such force could injure or even kill you. Learn about air bag safety.

3. Guidelines to buckle up safely.
The lap belt and shoulder belt are secured across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body.
Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck.
The lap belt rests across your hips, not your stomach.
NEVER put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.

4. Fit matters.
Before you buy a new car, check to see that its seat belts are a good fit for you.
Ask your dealer about seat belt adjusters, which can help you get the best fit.
If you need a roomier belt, contact your vehicle manufacturer to obtain seat belt extenders.
If you drive an older or classic car with lap belts only, check with your vehicle manufacturer about how to retrofit your car with today’s safer lap/shoulder belts.

5. Seat belt safety for children and pregnant women.
Find out when your child is ready to use an adult seat belt and learn about seat belt safety when you’re pregnant.

 

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