Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 22-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, died in a PMV-4 mishap 15 April 2023 in Oakwood, Oklahoma, at 1530 local. The Soldier was traveling southbound when a civilian vehicle crossed the centerline and collided with his vehicle. Initial reports indicate the civilian driver may have fallen asleep. Currently, there is no indication that drugs or alcohol contributed to the mishap. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) responded and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting the OHP 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 14th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

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 will 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 onto the right 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 be 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 NSC Safety + Health
  
   

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A 22-year-old Specialist assigned to the Army National Guard, Anderson, South Carolina, activated under Title 10 orders in support of the Joint Task Force – National Capital Region mission, died 18 February 2023 as a result of a PMV-4 mishap that occurred two days prior at 2203 local. The Soldier brought his vehicle to a full stop on I-85 due to construction and was rear-ended by a civilian truck and trailer. The impact pushed his vehicle forward into two more civilian vehicles. The Soldier was immediately transported to a local hospital, arriving in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries two days later. The civilian truck was reportedly traveling approximately 60-65 mph at the time of the collision. The three civilians sustained minor injuries. The unit/safety points of contact are awaiting the South Carolina Highway Patrol 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 13th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

 

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A 19-year-old Private assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia, died in a PMV-4 mishap 25 December 2022 near Warrington, Florida, at 0100 local. The Soldier was reportedly riding as a passenger in a vehicle involved in a two-vehicle mishap. A Honda sedan failed to maintain control and crossed the centerline, striking a Ford SUV head-on as it was approaching. The Soldier sustained fatal injuries. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, the Soldier’s use of a seat belt, and the involvement of alcohol or drugs as contributing factors, are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the Florida Highway Patrol 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 12th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
 

 

A 57-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to the U.S. Army National Guard, Oskaloosa, Iowa, on Title 10 orders died in a PMV-4 mishap 8 January 2023 in Johnson County, Iowa, at 0530 local. The Soldier reportedly was on his way to work when he was involved in a multi-vehicle mishap and sustained fatal injuries. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department notified the unit of the mishap. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, the Soldier’s use of a seat belt, and the involvement of alcohol or drugs as contributing factors, are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department 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 11th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A 21-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina died from a PMV-4 mishap 24 December 2022, near Goldsboro, North Carolina, at 2200 local. The Soldier was traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his vehicle, overturned, and was ejected from the vehicle. He was transported by EMT to UNC Wayne Memorial Hospital and died from his injuries at 0334 on 25 December. It is suspected the Soldier was not wearing his seatbelt and it is currently unknown if alcohol or drugs are contributing factors. The safety/unit points of contact are waiting for law enforcement 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 10th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF