Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 28-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Cavazos, Texas, died in a PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishap 8 October 2023 in Austin, Texas, at 0315 local. The Soldier was struck by a civilian vehicle while crossing the street at a crosswalk and sustained fatal injuries. The Austin Police Department (APD) responded to the scene. It is currently unknown where the Soldier was coming from or headed or who notified 911. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for APD to release its final report.

Since 2019, the Army has lost an average of five Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishaps. This was the first off-duty PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist fatality of FY24 and above the number of off-duty PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist fatalities from this time last year.
 

Safety tips

At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. Unfortunately, pedestrian injuries and fatalities remain high. In 2021, 7,388 pedestrians were killed – a 13 percent increase from 2020 – and more than 60,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. NHTSA raises awareness of the dangers to pedestrians and provides tips to keep pedestrians safe. 

8 Walking Safety Tips 

• Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals. 
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. 
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible. 
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right. 
• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross. 
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots. 
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment. 
• Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation – get up, get out and get moving. 

8 Safety Tips for Drivers 

• Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. 
• Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather. 
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. 
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too. 
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see. 
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 
• Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present. 
• Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians. 

Tips provided by NHTSA 

 

 

A 20-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, died in a PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishap 7 September 2023 in Manhattan, Kansas, at 0600 local. Soldier 1 stopped on the side of the road to assist Soldier 2, who had struck a deer with her vehicle. Both Soldiers had exited their vehicles to inspect the damage when they were struck by a civilian vehicle. The Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the scene and both Soldiers were transported to the local hospital. Upon arrival, Soldier 1 was pronounced dead by hospital staff. Due to the injuries Soldier 2 sustained, she was transferred to a higher-level medical care facility in Topeka, Kansas, for further treatment and evaluation. She is currently in stable condition.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of six Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishaps. This was the seventh off-duty PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist fatality of FY23 and above the number of off-duty PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist fatalities from this time last year.
 

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A 34-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to the Army National Guard, McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Eastover, South Carolina, died in an off-duty PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishap 4 September 2023 in Lancaster, South Carolina, at 1455 local. The Soldier experienced a problem while towing a boat and pulled his vehicle onto the shoulder of the highway. The unit reported that the Soldier and his wife were outside of the vehicle and in proximity to the boat when a civilian vehicle struck it. The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) responded and pronounced the Soldier’s spouse dead at the scene. The Soldier was transported to the local medical center, where he died shortly after arrival. The driver of the civilian vehicle was also transported to the local hospital; however, his status is unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for SCHP to release its final report.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of six Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishaps. This was the sixth off-duty PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishap of FY23 and above the number of off-duty PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist fatalities from this time last year.

Safety tip
If you are involved in a roadside emergency do not let your focus or frustration distract you from the serious dangers posed by other drivers on the road. Follow these tips to remain as safe as possible:

Emergency Equipment – Ensure the emergency equipment you carry in your vehicle includes warning triangles and a reflective vest along with a first aid kit, extra water and food, and emergency repair supplies including tools, a spare tire, duct tape, jack, jumper cables, heavy-duty rope, gloves and fix a flat.

Get off the road – When you first discover an issue with your vehicle find a safe spot to pull over as far off the road as possible. The most important thing is to get out of the path of traffic.

Make yourself visible – Turn on your hazard lights and headlights, and once you have pulled over, place reflective emergency triangles to alert oncoming traffic while wearing reflective gear.

Exit the vehicle carefully – Exit the vehicle from the side furthest from the road and stay as far away from traffic as possible. Do not exit the vehicle if not safe to do so – remain inside with your seat belt on and call 911 for assistance.

Traffic Warning Triangles – Place a minimum of one warning triangle but preferably three to improve visibility:
- Place the first triangle 10 feet behind your vehicle on the side closest to the road.
- Place a second warning triangle 100 feet directly behind your vehicle.
- Place a third triangle 300 feet behind your vehicle on the side furthest from the road.

Limit your exposure – Know when to call a professional. If the required repair is beyond your capabilities or will expose you to heavy traffic return to your vehicle, buckle up and call for assistance.

For more information on pedestrian safety, check out the Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation: https://safety.army.mil/ODSAP.
 

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A 36-year-old Captain assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in an off-duty PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishap 31 July 2023 in Fountain, Colorado, at 0428 local. The Soldier went on a ruck march in the Fountain area 30 July. At approximately 2230, he had not returned home, so his wife contacted the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD). The following morning, CSPD found the Soldier dead on the side of the road from a suspected hit and run.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of six Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishaps. This was the fifth off-duty PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishap of FY23 and above the number of off-duty PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist fatalities from this time last year.

Safety tips
When walking or running:

Avoid roads – Walk or run on trails, tracks or sidewalks whenever possible.

Face traffic – Walking or running on roads/streets facing traffic allows you to spot oncoming vehicles and time to move out of the road if necessary.

Be visible - Wear bright, reflective clothing/gear (especially in hours of darkness) to make yourself visible to drivers. Headlamps or handheld lights will make you more visible and allow you to see where you are going better.

Don’t wear headsets – Wearing headphones or earbuds impacts your ability to hear and react to approaching vehicles.

Use crosswalks – Look for vehicles in all directions and never assume that drivers see you even if you have the right-of-way.

For more information on pedestrian safety, check out the Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation: https://safety.army.mil/ODSAP.
 

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A 29-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in a PMV-Pedestrian mishap 30 June 2023 in Halifax, North Carolina, at 2145 local. While on leave, the Soldier reportedly parked on the side of the road, exited his vehicle and was struck by oncoming traffic. The North Carolina Highway Patrol (NCHP) responded and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The specific circumstances of the mishap are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for NCHP to release its final report.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of six Soldiers a year to PMV-Pedestrian mishaps. This mishap was the fourth PMV-Pedestrian fatality of FY23.

Safety tip
Roadside emergency safety tips
If you’re on the side of the road, you’ll need to exercise caution. Follow these tips to move to safety and stay out of the danger of traffic, remaining as safe as possible.

Take action immediately: If you notice car trouble, start moving over the right way. If you wait too long, your car may stop moving before you’re able to get off the road.

Get as far off the road as possible: If you’re experiencing an emergency while driving, the most important thing you can do is get to a safe place. A shoulder will do if that’s all you can manage, but it’s best to exit freeways, turn off roadways, and pull into a rest stop or parking lot. Try to stop under a streetlight if possible. Never stop around corners or curves, on the bottom of a hill, or on a narrow road. Don’t stop on a left shoulder unless you have no other choice, as you will be unable to get out of your car and walk off the highway. Even if you’re destroying your tire, keep going until you can get to safety. You may even save yourself tow truck fees if you’re able to get to a parking lot where you can handle repairs.

Warn others you’re having trouble: Turn on your hazard lights, and if you have safety cones, signs, flares, triangles, or a light, use those as well to increase your visibility. If you’re stopped at night, be sure to leave on your lights . You can also pop your hood to show others you’re having car trouble.

Call for roadside assistance: If you have roadside assistance through your insurance, cellphone carrier, or roadside club, give them a call immediately. They are typically available 24/7 with fast service that will take you to the nearest vehicle repair location. Remember to put their phone number in your cellphone so you’ll always have it handy.

Don’t exit your car until it’s safe: If you’re having an emergency, you may feel panicked and want to investigate the situation immediately. But be careful about getting out of your car, especially if you’re still near traffic. Get out of your car through the passenger side if there’s traffic on the driver side. And, of course, look for traffic before you open your door.

Remember you’re in traffic: If you’re on the shoulder, keep in mind you and your car are not protected by the thin white line that separates you from the other cars speeding past on the freeway. All it takes is a distraction or wind to have a vehicle drift over into the shoulder, hitting your car. You should also take care to keep your distance from the flow of traffic. If you can’t perform your own roadside repairs safely, it is best to remain in the vehicle with your seat belt on and doors locked. Don’t stand behind or next to your vehicle.

Be prepared with emergency supplies: Keep a first aid kit, extra water and food and emergency repair supplies, including tools, a spare tire, duct tape, jack, jumper cables, heavy-duty rope, gloves and Fix-a-Flat. You should also have flags, flares, or reflective triangles to warn other drivers that you’re having trouble.

Be careful about accepting help: It’s best to call professionals or a trusted friend or family member who can help. Yet, strangers who see you’re having trouble may stop to help. They may be well-intentioned, but you should use caution. Lower your window only enough to talk and use your best judgment in accepting their help. If you’re waiting on roadside assistance or a tow truck, thank them for stopping but tell them you’ll be taken care of.

Know when to call a professional: Some vehicle owners can handle quick roadside repairs without help, but even the savviest of DIYers can get in over their heads and end up in dangerous territory. Know when it’s smart to call for help. While you might be able to handle a tire change in a parking lot, it’s not a good idea to try to do the same while you’re on a highway shoulder. Use your best judgment.

Roadside assistance safety apps
Need help? You can get connected with service providers and repair advice quickly using these roadside assistance apps. Find a tow truck, learn how to change a tire, and get help fast so you can get safely off the road.

HONK: HONK is a free on-demand roadside assistance app. It has more than 45,000 tow truck partners nationwide, and flats can be fixed in as quickly as 30 minutes. All you have to do is open the app and share your location information and the kind of help you need. You’ll hear back from a service provider with an estimated time for their arrival. This service is available 24/7.

RepairPal: With RepairPal, you can get help with auto emergencies and roadside assistance. The app offers an easy way to find mechanics in your area and get one-touch access to roadside assistance.

Urgently: Urgently is an on-demand roadside assistance service. It has Uber-like visibility and a flat rate pay-per-use pricing. It uses thousands of trusted service providers nationwide to get drivers back on the road quickly with immediate help and no annual fees. You’ll see nearby help, pick a service, and watch help arrive in real-time.

Good Hands Rescue: This Allstate insurance service is available to everyone, whether you have coverage with Allstate or not. Using this app, you’ll get in touch with the Allstate network of roadside assistance providers and get help when you need it. It uses your phone’s GPS to pinpoint your location and mobilize a service provider who can help. You’ll also get real-time updates, including a service confirmation and ETA information, so you know when help is on the way.

AutoZone: Think you’re up to the task of fixing your car yourself? AutoZone’s app has a repair help feature that offers trustworthy advice for fixing your car yourself and getting back on the road.

Tips provided by defensivedriving.org.

 

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