Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

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.

A 26-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a PMV-2 mishap 22 July 2023 in Manitou Springs, Colorado, at 1455 local. The Soldier struck a guardrail and was ejected from his motorcycle. Colorado State Police (CSP) responded and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The Soldier completed the Basic RiderCourse 25 March 2022 and was scheduled to attend the Advanced RiderCourse 17 August 2023. Reportedly, alcohol was not suspected as a contributing factor. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed and the Soldier’s use of personal protective equipment, are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for CSP 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 23rd PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and below the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.