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Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

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 25-045 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles
A Private First Class assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a PMV-2 mishap 2 May 2025 in Clarksville, Tennessee, at 0031 local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle when the mishap occurred. First responders arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene. Personal protective equipment use, training, speed and alcohol or drug involvement are currently unknown. No additional information is currently available.    

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 14th PMV-2 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

 

Nighttime Riding Key Risks:

 

  • Reduced Visibility: Harder for others to see you, and your own vision is limited.
  • Impaired Drivers: Higher risk of encountering drunk or drugged drivers (32% of 2020 fatalities involved alcohol).
  • Animals: Increased animal activity, especially during summer/fall.
  • Drowsiness: Night riding can be tiring and impair reaction time.

 

10 Essential Safety Tips

 

  1. Be Aware: Understand the amplified dangers of nighttime riding.
  2. Check Lights: Ensure all motorcycle lights are functioning correctly.
  3. Use High Beams: When safe, utilize high beams to maximize visibility.
  4. Avoid Direct Headlight Glare: Look at the road's edge, not directly at oncoming lights.
  5. Optimize Eyewear: Use yellow-tinted, photochromic or clear visors/glasses for night riding.
  6. Clear Visor: Keep your helmet visor clean for optimal clarity.
  7. Maximize Visibility: Wear bright/reflective clothing and consider reflective tape/lights on your bike.
  8. Utilize Other Vehicles’ Lights: Scan ahead using headlights of cars in front of you.
  9. Increase Following Distance: Allow more space and time to react.
  10. Take Breaks: Combat fatigue with frequent breaks, caffeine or snacks. Watch for signs of drowsiness/highway hypnosis.

 

Important Reminders

 

  • Know Your Laws: Check state laws regarding nighttime motorcycle operation.
  • Ride Sober: Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • SEESM: Employ the Search, Evaluate, Execute and safety margin strategy.
  • Wear a Helmet: A DOT-approved helmet is crucial for safety.  

 

 

PLR 25-043 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles

A Second Lieutenant assigned to Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, died in a PMV-2 mishap in Richmond, Virginia, at local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle when the mishap occurred. Personal protective equipment use, training, speed and alcohol or drug involvement are currently unknown. No additional information is currently available.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 13th PMV-2 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

 

 

PLR 25-042 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles
A 29-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap 11 March 2025 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 1905 local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle while entering an intersection. The Fayetteville Police Department responded to the scene. Personal protective equipment use, training, speed and alcohol or drug involvement are currently unknown. No additional information is available at this time.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 29 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 12th PMV-2 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tip

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 35% of fatal motorcycle accidents occur at intersections. In addition, 42% of fatal two-vehicle motorcycle crashes occurred when the other vehicle was turning left. Any intersection is potentially hazardous, whether it has stoplights, stop signs or is unmarked.
 
  • Stay Alert to Navigate the Intersection: Maintain constant vigilance and be prepared for unexpected actions from other drivers.

  • Ride at a Safe Speed: Approach intersections at a speed that allows you to react to changing conditions and avoid speeding.

  • Be Observant: Pay close attention to other vehicles' movements, especially those preparing to turn across your path. Be aware of drivers' signals, head turns and steering wheel movements, which can indicate their intentions. Drivers often have a "tell" where they are about to go … a turn of the head or a steering wheel movement should signal you to cover your hand on the brakes (don't overreact, though). Look for wheel movement on cars approaching from the side.

  • Practice Emergency Braking: Cover your brakes and be prepared to stop quickly. Make sure you improve your emergency braking skills. Most riders don't come near the stopping potential of their bike and tires. Training and continual practice are key to stopping your motorcycle by applying both brakes smoothly and firmly while rolling off the throttle. You should focus on the front brake and apply the rear brake a fraction of a second later.

  • Learn "Brake, then Swerve" Techniques: Practice maneuvering to avoid potential collisions. A swerve is essentially two consecutive turns: one to avoid an obstacle, the second to recover. Always ensure you identify a safe place to swerve. Look for an escape route, then execute. Remember that braking and swerving are two actions that are executed separately. For example, if you must brake first, you should swerve second, or if you must swerve, then you should apply the brakes after. Remember that swerving is often more dangerous than emergency braking and can lead to an unintended mishap unless you are trained.

  • Move Away from Turning Vehicles: After entering the intersection, move away from vehicles preparing to turn. Do not change speed or position radically. The driver might think you are preparing to turn.

  • Don't Rely on Loud Pipes: Avoid relying on loud pipes or other passive strategies for safety.

  • Give Yourself Space: Maintain a safe following distance behind other vehicles. Give yourself more time and space to respond by approaching intersections at conservative speeds. Speeding into intersections is a bad idea. Avoid trying to "make the light."

  • Be Aware of Blind Spots: Be aware of other driver's blind spots and where they might lose sight of you. Selecting the optimum lane position is important so others can see you. Always be aware of your line of sight! Studies show that using high beams during the day can be helpful. Do not flash your lights, which other drivers could easily miscommunicate. Avoid "hiding" behind vehicles ahead, and do not tailgate.

  • Take a Motorcycle Safety Course: Ensure you take a motorcycle safety training course to improve your riding skills and learn about safe intersection techniques.


Conclusion

The bottom line is that riding a motorcycle in traffic is risky. People make unsafe actions and take unnecessary risks. It's your job to do your best to minimize the risk by using effective strategies that give you some measure of control.
 

 

PLR 25-040 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles

A 22-year-old Specialist assigned to Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, died in a PMV-2 mishap in Killeen, Texas, at local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle when he collided with a dump truck. Personal protective equipment use, training, speed and alcohol or drug involvement are currently unknown.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 29 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 11th PMV-2 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety tip:

Motorcycle Speed and Safety:

  1. Never exceed the speed limit or ride beyond your capabilities.
  2. Always maintain an appropriate speed relative to the road conditions.
  3. Wear protective gear such as helmets and proper clothing.
  4. Obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits and lane markings.
  5. Ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room between your bike and other vehicles.
  6. Always check behind you and signal before you change lanes.
  7. Stay focused on the road.
  8. Be aware of your surroundings.
  9. Watch out for pedestrians on the road.
  10. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
  11. Anticipate the actions of other drivers.
  12. Use turn signals to alert other drivers of your movement.
  13. Check your blind spots before changing lanes or making turns.

 

 

PLR 25-038 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles

A 23-year-old Private assigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, died in a PMV-2 mishap in Mililani, Hawaii, at local. Local paramedics responded to the mishap scene and transported the Soldier to Queens East Hospital. Personal protective equipment use, training, speed and alcohol or drug involvement are currently unknown.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 29 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 10th PMV-2 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

 

 

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