Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 29-year-old Active Guard/Reserve Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Cavazos, Texas, died in a PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishap 11 June 2023 at 0321 local. The Soldier was struck by another vehicle after he stopped and dismounted his motorcycle to retrieve an item that was in the road. The driver of the vehicle that struck the Soldier did not stop afterward. The Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. The safety point of contact is awaiting more information from local law enforcement.

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


Safety tip
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% increase from 2020 – and more than 60,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide.

Of the 7,388 pedestrian fatalities, 1,802 (24%) were involved in hit-and-run crashes and more pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark (77%) than in daylight (20%), dusk (2%) and dawn (2%) in 2021.

Know the Basics — Pedestrian Safety
Safety tips for drivers
1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
4. 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.
5. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
8. Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.

Walking safety tips
1. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
4. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
5. 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.
6. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
7. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
8. Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation — get up, get out and get moving.

Tips provided by NHTSA
 

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A 30-year-old Sergeant First Class assigned to South Camp Vilseck, Germany, died in a PMV-4 mishap 5 June 2023 at 2040 local. The Soldier was driving his normal route from work to home when he was involved in a head-on collision. Emergency medical services was called to the scene and provided first aid. The Soldier was resuscitated and airlifted to a local hospital, where he died. The Soldier was wearing his seat belt when first responders removed him from the vehicle. The safety point of contact is awaiting more information to confirm mishap specifics and toxicology.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 21st 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 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 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 provided by NSC Safety and Health Magazine
 

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A 45-year-old Active Guard/Reserve Sergeant First Class assigned to the Army National Guard, Camp Dodge, Iowa, died from injuries sustained in a PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishap 22 May 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa, at 1615 local. The Soldier was running eastbound when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver stopped and called emergency services. The Soldier sustained several critical injuries and was transported to the local hospital in critical condition. He had multiple surgeries to control internal bleeding and pressure on his brain. He was removed from life support and died 4 June 2023.

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

Safety tip
At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. Unfortunately, pedestrian injuries and fatalities remain high. In 2020, 6,516 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 55,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) raises awareness of the dangers to pedestrians and provides tips to keep them safe.

Know the Basics — Pedestrian Safety

Safety tips for drivers

1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, always.
2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
4. 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.
5. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
8. Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.

Walking safety tips

1. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
4. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
5. 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.
6. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
7. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
8. Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation — get up, get out and get moving.

Tips provided by NHTSA

In the spotlight – The 2023 Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation provides additional information to include videos, statistics and risk mitigation measures in preventing pedestrian mishaps. Visit https://safety.army.mil/ODSAP for more information.
 

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A 23-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a PMV-2 mishap 2 June 2023 at 2129 local. The Soldier departed a local restaurant traveling southbound when he struck a car that pulled out in front of him. Three members from the unit were with the Soldier and responded to his aid at the scene. They called local emergency medical services, who transported the Soldier to a local medical facility, where he was pronounced dead. The Soldier was state licensed with six years of riding experience. He completed the Basic RiderCourse 24 October 2021. The safety point of contact is awaiting further mishap specifics from local law enforcement, to include personal protective equipment and toxicology.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 20th PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and equal to the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

Safety tip

Motorcycle accidents caused by left-turning cars

The most common motorcycle accident happens when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of you. This is the single most dangerous situation for motorcyclists, accounting for 42% of all accidents involving a motorcycle and car. Usually, the turning car strikes the motorcycle when the motorcycle is:

• Going straight through an intersection


• Passing the car


• Trying to overtake the car

This type of accident is common between two regular cars as well; however, a motorcycle’s size and lack of protection make these accidents much more dangerous for riders. When a vehicle hits another vehicle while making a left-hand turn, it will most likely be found at fault for the accident. However, if the motorcyclist was breaking some law or driving in an unsafe way, then that may not be the case.

How to avoid a left-turn motorcycle crash

To avoid this accident, as is the case with most situations, you need to be able to anticipate the other driver’s next move. This is the best way to stay safe, apart from the usual defensive driving methods and wearing your protective gear. Look for indicators that someone may be about to turn in front of you. For example:

• A car is at an intersection, waiting to turn.


• There's a gap in the traffic in front of you while someone is waiting to go.


• They do a last-second “look both ways” head maneuver.

If you notice anything like this, which you should definitely be looking out for, begin to slow down. Move over to the outside lane away from the car and prepare to brake or take evasive action. Even if you cannot see a car waiting to turn, you should assume that a reasonable gap in front of you will invite another driver to pull out.

Psychologically, car drivers are not looking for motorcyclists. They have trained their brains to only look for large vehicles because that is what they're driving. Combine this with the fact that motorcyclists can be hard to see and you have a dangerous situation.

Also, try to make eye contact with the other driver. If they see you looking at them — and you see them looking at you — there is a good chance they know you are there and will not pull out. Also, check for things obstructing their view; notice which way their tires are pointing; notice if they're actively observing all traffic around them or looking down at their phone.

Tips provided by Dolman Law Group
 

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A 19-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Detrick, Maryland, died in a PMV-4 mishap 28 May 2023 at 0800 local. Two Soldiers were traveling in a vehicle that departed the road on the west side of an exit ramp. The vehicle became airborne twice, striking multiple ditches down a sharp grade before hitting a rock that caused it to land upside down submerged in a creek. The two Soldiers were extracted from the vehicle by emergency medical services personnel. One Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. The other Soldier was transported to a local hospital and is in critical condition. Both Soldiers were wearing their seat belts. The safety point of contact is awaiting more information to confirm if speed, alcohol or drugs are possible contributors.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 20th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip
Research shows that on-ramps and off-ramps are some of the most common places crashes occur on highways, as drivers traveling at different speeds enter, exit and merge. According to one study published in the Journal of Safety Research, interstate exit and entrance ramps are the most common site of highway crashes per mile driven.

Follow these common-sense tips to reduce your chance of being hurt in a highway merging accident:

• If possible, move over when other cars are trying to merge.


• Adjust your speed appropriately when another driver is trying to merge.


• Do not try to speed past a truck that is merging.


• Do not slam on your brakes or swerve if you miss an off-ramp.


• Be wary of other drivers behaving dangerously near on-ramps and off-ramps.


• Stay out of a semi-truck’s blind spots when approaching an on-ramp.


• Do not speed when exiting or entering a highway, especially on loop ramps.


• Follow posted speed limits and warning signs when traveling through work zones.

There was an 18.4% increase in the number of Americans who died in motor vehicle crashes in the first half of 2021, compared to the first half of 2020, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals — highlighting the need for safe and responsible driving. Freeway driving can be challenging for anyone as it involves merging into high-speed traffic and typically maintaining speeds of 65 mph or over, as well as dealing with large, fast-moving commercial trucks. Fortunately, by learning the proper freeway driving rules and best practices, you can avoid accidents and stay safe on the road.

Enter and exit correctly
A freeway entrance ramp helps you enter the freeway and merge safely with the flow of traffic. So, when entering the freeway from the ramp, always make sure you’re driving at the same speed as the vehicles traveling in the freeway’s right-side lane — otherwise you risk causing a collision. Most entrance ramps are designed to give drivers enough time to accelerate, so they enter the freeway at the right speed. If you enter the freeway at the wrong speed, surrounding drivers may need to suddenly brake, accelerate, or change lanes to prevent hitting you — so don’t be afraid to speed up to match highway speeds when using the ramp. And, when exiting the freeway, be sure to slow down only when you reach the exit ramp and not while you’re still on the freeway (again, to avoid causing accidents). Exit ramps are designed for deceleration and typically terminate at a traffic light or stop sign.

Obey speed limits and road rules
According to the NHTSA’s Summary of State Speed Laws the basic speed rule on the highway “requires vehicle operators to drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent.” So, you may find it necessary to drive slower or faster than the speed limit in some situations and it’s not uncommon for drivers to go at least 10 mph over the limit on freeways. That said, adhering to the speed limit is best practice — particularly in commercial areas where police often establish speed traps to force drivers to slow down. In addition to obeying speed limits, freeway driving involves following other standard rules, include not tailgating use the farthest left lane only for passing; and don’t drive in another vehicle’s blind spot. Always check your blind spots on busy freeways and keep an eye out for motorcyclists. If your car breaks down, you should also switch on your hazard lights, use your turn signal, and move your car off the road (unless you’re unable to move it). Most often, emergency telephones are located on the right shoulder.

Also, be mindful of commercial trucks — they commonly travel on freeways and the number of crashes involving 18-wheelers has increased over the past few years. Accidents involving trucks often result in severe injuries due to their sheer weight and size.

Choose the right lane
It’s also key to drive in the right lane. If you’ll be traveling at slower speeds, you need to be in the right lane. Semi-trucks must often stick to the right lane by law in many states as they’re large, slow-moving vehicles. So, if the passing traffic to your right is moving quicker than you, you know you’re in the wrong lane. Alternatively, if you’ll be traveling at faster speeds, you’ll need to pick the left lane. The farthest left lane, although commonly called the “fast lane,” is for passing. If you’re in the left lane, be careful not to stay there indefinitely as there’ll always be faster drivers coming up behind you. Also, if you spot a disabled vehicle, be sure to move over a lane to give them enough room. In fact, moving over is a legal requirement in many states.

Freeway driving can be challenging for anyone, yet, with the right best practices, you can stay safe on the road. By entering and exiting correctly, obeying speed limits, and choosing the right lane, you can ensure that you arrive safely at your destination.

Tips provided by Jebaily Legal and NHTSA
 

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