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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 25-068 - Automobile Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Automobiles

A 19-year-old Specialist assigned to the Iowa Army National Guard died in an automobile mishap 2 July 2025 near Mount Pleasant, Iowa, at 1250 local. The Soldier had returned to Iowa following duty at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and was headed home when the mishap occurred. Additional information is currently unavailable. 

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 24th automobile fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year. 

Safety Tips

Stay Alert on the Road: 8 Effective Tips to Fight Driver Fatigue

  1. Get a good night's sleep before starting your journey.
  2. Take regular breaks.
  3. Avoid driving during peak sleepiness hours.
  4. Stay hydrated and eat light.
  5. Listen to upbeat music or audiobooks.
  6. Utilize proper ventilation.
  7. Exercise before you drive.
  8. Avoid medications that cause drowsiness.

Here are some tips to reduce distracted driving:

  • Do not multitask. Finish eating, drinking and grooming before you turn on your car. Program your audio and navigation systems before you start to drive.
  • Turn off your phone and place it out of reach when you get in the driver's seat.
  • Never text while driving, even when you are stopped in traffic or at a traffic light.
  • If you must send or receive a call or text, pull over to a safe location and park your car first.
  • Avoid using any device that may take your attention away from the task of driving.  

 

 

PLR 25-067 – Motorcycle Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles

A Private First Class assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, died in a motorcycle mishap in Long Beach, California, at local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle while on leave when he collided with a pickup truck. The Long Beach Police Department responded to the scene. Additional information is currently unavailable.  

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 19th motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.  

Safety Tips

When passing other vehicles on a motorcycle, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings and adhere to safety guidelines. Here are some key tips to ensure a safe passing experience:

  • Assess the Situation: Before deciding to pass, evaluate if it's necessary and if the vehicle ahead is moving significantly slower than the speed limit.
  • Use Your Mirrors: Check your side and rear mirrors before changing lanes or making a turn, especially when there's a motorcycle nearby.
  • Maintain Lane Position: Stay in the center portion of your lane and maintain a steady speed to avoid startling the motorcyclist.
  • Be Clear: Clearly signal your intentions to the motorcyclist before passing.
  • Check Blind Spots: Use mirrors to check for blind spots and ensure you can see the road ahead and behind before making a pass.
  • Be Calm: Stay calm and composed, as sudden movements can startle the motorcyclist and lead to an accident.
  • Plan Ahead: Always plan your route and consider the traffic flow before deciding to pass.
  • Stay Focused: Keep your focus on the road and avoid distractions that could affect your ability to pass safely.

Tips provided by various sources, including the NSC, NHTSA, and numerous motorcycle safety blogs and magazines.

PLR 25-065 – Automobile Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Automobiles

A 25-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Eisenhower, Georgia, died in an automobile mishap 14 June 2025 near Lugoff, South Carolina, at 2145 local. The Soldier was driving in the wrong direction on a highway and collided with another vehicle. Additional information is currently unavailable.  

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 23rd automobile fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

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. You can help prevent a potential head-on collision using these safety tips.

  • Know Your Route: Before you start driving, use navigation apps or maps to familiarize yourself with the route, especially for unfamiliar areas.
  • Double-Check Your Navigation: If you rely on navigation apps, double-check that the route displayed on your device matches the road signs. GPS devices can occasionally provide incorrect information, so always use them as a supplementary tool rather than as your sole source of guidance.
  • Pay Attention to Road Signs: Look for and obey "Wrong Way" or "Do Not Enter" signs, which are designed to alert drivers to dangerous situations.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions like using your phone or other in-car distractions while driving. Distractions contribute significantly to driving errors. If unsure of your location or direction, safely pull over to assess your route.
  • Use On-Ramps Correctly: Always use the designated on-ramp when entering an interstate. Carefully follow the directions indicated by all on-ramp signage.
  • Be Mindful of One-Way Streets: Some cities have one-way streets leading to interstate entrances. Be aware of the traffic flow on these streets and follow the directional arrows. If you find yourself on a one-way street that doesn't align with your intended direction, look for alternative routes.
  • Use Rest Areas and Service Plazas: If you're uncertain about your route, consider taking advantage of rest areas or service plazas. These areas often have maps and information about the surrounding highways. Take a moment to review your route and ask for assistance if needed.  

 

 

PLR 25-064 – Weapons and Explosives Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Military Weapons

A 26-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Camp Erbil, Iraq, died in an on-duty Weapons and Explosives mishap on the installation at local. While handling his weapon, a Soldier unintentionally discharged a round, which struck another Soldier in the collarbone and neck area. The injured Soldier was transported to a ROLE III medical facility, where he was pronounced dead. Additional information is currently unavailable.

This was the first on-duty Weapons and Explosives fatality since FY22.

Safety Tips

Always THINK weapons safety:

  • Treat every weapon as if it is loaded.
  • Handle every weapon with care.
  • Identify the target before you fire.
  • Never point the muzzle at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
  • Keep the weapon on safe and your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire.

PLR 25-063 - Automobile Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Automobiles

A 41-year-old First Sergeant assigned to U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Phoenix, Arizona, died in an automobile mishap 19 May 2025 near Tucson, Arizona, at 0130 local. The Soldier's vehicle was rear-ended by an SUV on the interstate, pushing it into the path of a box truck. Arizona Department of Public Safety officers responded to the scene and transported the Soldier to a local hospital, where he died. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 22nd automobile fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.   

Safety Tips

  1. Maintain a Safe Following Distance: While the three-second rule is more for maintaining distance while driving, it also translates to a safe following distance when stopping. Increase this distance in adverse weather or when driving behind large vehicles. When stopping behind another vehicle, you should stop far enough back to see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you touching the ground. This provides a safety buffer in case you need to maneuver around the vehicle or if you are rear-ended and pushed forward.
  2. Be Mindful of Tailgaters: If you notice someone is tailgating you, try to create more space by gradually slowing down and encouraging them to pass. Do not brake hard to try and scare them off, as this could lead to a collision.
  3. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions: Minimize distractions like texting, eating or using your phone. Pay attention to your surroundings, including the vehicles ahead and behind.
  4. Scan Your Surroundings: Look far ahead of your vehicle to anticipate potential hazards, such as stopped or slow-moving traffic, pedestrians or merging vehicles. This allows you to react early and avoid sudden stops that could lead to a rear-end collision.
  5. Use Turn Signals Early and Clearly: Signal your intentions well in advance when changing lanes or turning. This gives other drivers ample time to react and adjust their driving accordingly.
  6. Brake Gradually: Avoid sudden stops whenever possible. Slowing down gradually allows the driver behind you more time to react and avoid a collision.
  7. Check Your Mirrors Frequently: Regularly check your rearview and side mirrors to monitor traffic behind you. This helps you stay aware of vehicles that might be too close or approaching too fast.
  8. Be Cautious in Adverse Conditions: Increase your following distance and reduce your speed in rain, snow or fog.
  9. Ensure Your Brake Lights are Working: Always make sure your brake lights are functioning correctly to alert other drivers when you are slowing down or stopping.
  10. Scan for an Escape Path: If you anticipate a potential rear-end collision, look for a safe place to move to the side of the road or shoulder to avoid being pushed into other traffic.

Tips provided by NHTSA.  

 

 
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