Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 24-year-old First Lieutenant assigned to Vilseck, Germany, died in an on-duty government motor vehicle (GMV) mishap 1 August 2023 in Weiden, Germany, at 1125 local. A military convoy was merging onto the autobahn when a civilian semi-truck struck a Stryker. The collision resulted in the commander’s vehicle hatch releasing and impacting the Soldier, causing her to lose consciousness. Emergency medical services and polizei responded and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The Soldier was wearing personal protective equipment and a gunner’s restraint harness. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the polizei to release its final report.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of nine Soldiers a year to on-duty GMV mishaps. This mishap was the fourth on-duty GMV fatality of FY23 and the same number of fatalities for the same period last year.

Safety tips

Convoy commanders must identify hazards along the convoy route.

Ensure to conduct a pre-convoy safety briefing covering hazards, location of road hazards, driving conditions and control measures.

If feasible, schedule convoys around peak travel and congestion periods.

Ensure the vehicle commanders have been briefed on established communication.

If available, plan for military police or host nation assistance to regulate traffic.

Ensure that vehicle commanders are trained to observe hazards and communicate them throughout the convoy.

Upon reaching the acceleration lane, increase convoy speed to equal as closely as possible the speed of other traffic on the roadway.

When moving into the traffic lane and before merging, the driver should ensure that lanes are clear of oncoming traffic.

Position your vehicle toward the nearside of the road before merging onto an entrance ramp.

Signal your intentions when planning to merge or change lanes.

Wait to accelerate onto the traffic lane if you see vehicles approaching quickly.

Check again and ensure there is nothing preventing a safe maneuver onto the traffic lane.

Never force your way into the traffic; stop and wait if necessary.

Take extra caution when merging near large vehicles; they may accidentally cross over in your lane due to their large width.

Keeping your vehicle close to the nearside (pavement /sidewalk) edge of the road on single carriageways can help you to avoid sideswiping collisions — especially on corners.

Pay attention to the position of your vehicle and ensure you never cross over the central white line unless absolutely essential.

Ensure mirrors and windows are clean and adjusted before and during travel.

Safety tips for vehicle hatch operation

When the hatch is opened, the downward force may trap hands between the hatch and the opening.

Hatches are under spring tension. Ensure to keep the body clear of the hatch when opening. Failure to do so may result in injury to personnel.

Engage the safety catch after opening the hatch to ensure it stays in a secured position.

 

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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 19-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, died in a PMV-2 mishap 30 June 2023 in Medina County, Texas, at 1047 local. The Soldier (Trainee) reportedly was traveling at a high rate of speed and crashed. The Texas Department of Public Safety responded and pronounced her dead at the scene. The Soldier was not properly licensed and did not complete the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation training, but she was wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment. Alcohol was not a contributing factor to the mishap.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 25th PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

Safety tips

Motorcycle training

Motorcycle training is mandatory for Soldiers! Per Army Regulation 385-10, The Army Safety Program, paragraph 11-7:

(5) Mandatory motorcycle training. Under the Progressive MC Program, all Soldiers who operate a MC are required to take the following MC training:

(a) Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course (BRC) or DUSD(I&E) endorsed, State-approved, curriculum for MC operator’s safety training.

(b) Experienced Rider Course (ERC) or the MSF BRC–II.

(c) Military Sportbike Rider Course (MSRC) or MSF Advanced Rider Course (ARC).

(d) MC refresher training (MRT) for Soldiers deployed for more than 180 days.

The impact of speeding

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 40 percent of all motorcyclist fatalities were due to excessive speed or riding too fast for conditions. Speeding is one of the leading factors in motorcycle fatalities. Always obey posted speed limits and avoid the dangers of speeding on the road. Always maintain an appropriate speed relative to the road conditions and never ride beyond your capabilities. Since motorcycles don't have the same level of protection as cars, speeding has an even smaller margin for mistakes that have grave consequences.
 

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A 21-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap 27 July 2023 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 2045 local. The Soldier reportedly collided with another civilian vehicle that attempted to turn into his path and sustained fatal injuries. The specific circumstances of the mishap are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for law enforcement to release its final report.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 26th PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

Safety tips

When riding a motorcycle:
 

• Always expect a vehicle to turn in front of you at an intersection and make sure that you give yourself enough time and space to react to other motorists’ actions.


• Place yourself in traffic to be seen. The best lane position is the one that gives you the most visibility for yourself and other motorists.


• Any time you are approaching an intersection of any kind, make sure you look both ways to ensure no cars are coming, even if they have a red light.


• Always check your mirrors and look to your sides and far ahead to anticipate changes in traffic patterns.


• Always use your lights when you ride.


• Never allow your mind to be on autopilot or zone out while riding.


• Aways be aware of your surroundings.

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A 39-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, died in a PMV-2 mishap 22 July 2023 in Duval County, Florida, at 1750 local. The Soldier was reportedly involved in a motorcycle mishap and sustained injuries. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded to the scene, and the Soldier was transported to the local university medical center. He was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, the Soldier’s use of personal protective equipment and the involvement of alcohol, are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for FHP to release its final report.

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