Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 28-year-old Staff Sergeant and a 24-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, died in a government motor vehicle (GMV) mishap 30 January 2025 on the installation at 1845 local. The lead vehicle (JLTV) in a two-vehicle LOGPAC was stopped on the road (improved dirt road) staging for movement when the road collapsed, and the JLTV rolled over into a standing body of water. The top-hatch was opened and the cabin filed with water immediately. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is leading an investigation into the mishap.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of five Soldiers a year to GMV mishaps. This mishap was the second and third GMV fatalities of FY25 and is equal to the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) rollover mishaps have gradually increased over the past five years. These mishaps commonly occur while traveling to or from a range or other events. Mishap investigations have revealed that a significant number of the mishaps were due to the limited visibility of the vehicle afforded to the driver. Based on the unique characteristics of the JLTV it is most common to experience a fall-initiated rollover type, rather than maneuver-initiated type, when operating along roads near ditches, bridges, and culverts which incapable of handling the vehicle’s weight. Fall-initiated rollovers usually occur on unimproved roads, possibly near bodies of water where the road shoulders are soft

To mitigate the risk of a rollover ensure you address the top five rollover causes:

1. Driver Inexperience
2. Limited visibility
3. Following Too Close
4. Speeding
5. Fatigue
 

• Driver Training: Leaders must emphasize driver training because of the JLTV’s high center-of-gravity, high ground pressure, large balloon-style tires, and reduced visibility. The JLTV demands excellent driver skills and knowledge beyond that of most tactical-wheeled vehicles. JLTV operators must know how to operate vehicle equipment effectively in the most challenging environments. Challenge JLTV operators to use safe driving practices and increase awareness for accident avoidance IAW (TC) 21-305-7.


• Limited Visibility: An increasing number of rollovers occur during limited visibility when conditions involve dust, snow, rain or dark. Ensure that speed and vehicle intervals are adjusted to address conditions.


• Restricted Visibility: Often, the vehicle pillars and window size block the driver’s forward and peripheral vision of the driver, preventing observation of objects on the ground. The vehicle commander and other crew members must assist the driver in identifying objects in the driver's blind spots. The driver should anticipate approaching objects that may fall into their blind spots as they near them. If in doubt or if approaching a challenging obstacle, the vehicle commander, if applicable, should safely use a ground guide to assist the driver.


• Drop-offs, Ravines, and Eroded Washouts: These physical terrains are generally darker than the surrounding terrain at night, and it can be difficult to determine the depth of the drop. When encountering a suspected drop-off or ditch, the driver and VC should ensure they have a clear pathway through or around the feature. If a ground guide is not tactically feasible, the driver should slow speeds and cautiously approach unknown areas while adhering to the prescribed vehicle gross weight.


• NVDs: Leaders must ensure the vehicle operators are adequately trained and possess the ability to safely and effectively drive using night vision devices (NVDs). The vehicle driver and VC must have a clear understanding of the device's limitations and capabilities, for ambient (available) light, driving ability, proficiency with NVDs and familiarity with the terrain to ensure they can safely and effectively drive using night vision.


• Rollover Training: Leaders must ensure all occupants practice rollover procedures frequently. These drills should include degraded conditions such as doors blocked, injured personnel assessed requiring evacuation and limited visibility. Incorporate the potential for rollovers into risk assessments by assessing bridges and terrain along the route by:


• Being alert and using caution on roads close to canals.
• Allowing greater clearance when traveling along the edge of a road.
• Considering the probability of the road surface collapsing and pitching the vehicle.
• Ensuring that hazards are briefed to drivers before the mission and considering options for alternate or bypass routes.
• Rollover drills can be trained in static vehicles using the steps outlined in GTA 55-03-030.
• Training, Rehearsals, Pre-combat Checks and Pre-combat Inspections: These are key factors for mission success. Driver training is a key staple in any vehicle operation. The Joint Risk Assessment Tool (JRAT) can assist with the development of your deliberate risk assessment worksheet: https://jrat.safety.army.mil.


• The USACRC has Risk-Management Magazine articles on vehicle rollover prevention which can be found on the USACRC website: https://safety.army.mil/MEDIA/Risk-Management-Magazine/ArtMID/7428/ArticleID/7952/Preventing-Rollovers

 

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A Private assigned to Fort Cavazos, Texas, died in a PMV-2 mishap 25 January 2025 in Killeen, Texas, at 1350 local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle at an intersection. The Killeen Police Department (KPD) responded and pronounced him dead at the scene. According to the KPD, the Soldier was wearing all his personal protective equipment, but he had not completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse. Speed, 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 ninth PMV-2 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety tip

Motorcycle risk rates are typically higher than those for cars, highlighting their relative vulnerability. Several factors, including accident statistics, injury severity and fatality rates, contribute to this distinction. Motorcyclists face a 29 times higher fatality rate per mile traveled compared to car occupants, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This considerable risk underscores the importance of understanding the metrics influencing these rates.

Factors affecting risk rates for motorcycles often involve rider behavior, environmental conditions and vehicle design. Speeding and alcohol use are common contributors to accidents. Road conditions such as potholes or slippery surfaces further escalate risk. Additionally, motorcycles lack certain safety features like seat belts and air bags found in cars, which significantly impacts injury severity in crashes.

Insurance companies use these risk rates to calculate premium costs. Higher risk is directly linked to increased insurance premiums. Understanding these elements allows you to take proactive steps in reducing personal risk. Safety measures such as wearing helmets, taking defensive driving courses and equipping motorcycles with anti-lock braking systems can mitigate many associated dangers.

By focusing on safety and understanding how risk rates are structured, you can make more informed decisions and reduce the likelihood of accidents while enjoying the thrill of motorcycling.

Factors influencing risk rates - understanding risk rates involves evaluating several elements. Each factor can significantly impact your safety and the likelihood of accidents.

Rider Experience
Experienced riders can navigate complex situations more effectively. However, new riders might lack the skills necessary to manage high-risk scenarios. Consider engaging in motorcycle training programs that improve your maneuvering and judgment abilities, reducing accident likelihood.

Motorcycle Type
The design and power of your motorcycle affect its risk level. Sport bikes, known for high speeds, often correlate with higher accident rates. In contrast, touring bikes provide more stability and may reduce risk. Choose a model that matches your riding style and comfort level to help manage risk.

Road Conditions
Road conditions play a crucial role in risk rates. Wet, icy or poorly maintained roads increase the chances of accidents. Stay informed about weather and road reports and plan your routes accordingly. Properly assessing environmental factors can significantly improve your safety.

Tips provided by NHTSA.

 

 

A Sergeant assigned to Fort Cavazos, Texas, died in a PMV-4 mishap 22 January 2025 outside the gate of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, at 0845 local. The Soldier was driving his vehicle when it departed the roadway, overturned and struck a tree. According to reports, he was not wearing a seat belt. The involvement of speed, alcohol or drugs is currently unknown.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 10th PMV-4 fatality of FY25 and below to the number of PMV-4 fatalities for this same time last year. 

Safety tip

In 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 7% of passenger vehicle occupants killed were unrestrained. This is down from the first half of 2023, when the rate was higher.

Seat belts save lives

One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. Many Americans understand the lifesaving value of the seat belt – the national use rate was at 91.9% in 2023. Of those killed at night in 2022, 57% were unrestrained. Understand the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt and learn what you can do to make sure you and your family are properly buckled up every time.

The consequences of not wearing, or improperly wearing, a seat belt are clear:

If someone told you there’s a secret to significantly cutting your chance of a fatal injury in a motor vehicle crash, you’d want to know it, right?

1. Buckling up helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle, whereas not buckling up can result in being totally ejected from the vehicle in a crash, which is almost always deadly.
2. Airbags are not enough to protect you; in fact, the force of an airbag can seriously injure or even kill you if you’re not buckled up.
3. Improperly wearing a seat belt, such as putting the strap below your arm, puts you and your children at risk in a crash.
4. On average, every 47 minutes, someone not wearing a seat belt dies in a car crash.
5. Seat belt use is the most effective way to stay alive in a crash.
6. Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50% in the front seat of a passenger car.
7. Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of death by 60% and the risk of injury by 65% in a pickup truck.
8. In the instant you buckle up before driving or riding in the front seat of a car or truck, you cut your risk of a fatal injury in a crash nearly in half. That’s a huge return on the investment of the mere seconds it takes to put on a seat belt.

Tips provided by NHTSA.

 

 

A Master Sergeant assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in a privately owned weapons (POW) mishap 3 January 2025 in Pinehurst, North Carolina, at 2000 local. The deceased Soldier’s spouse was cleaning his weapon when it discharged. The round passed through a wall in their family home striking the Soldier.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of two Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This mishap was the fourth POW fatality of FY25 and above the number of POW fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

When cleaning your weapons:

Verify that the weapon is unloaded - remove any detachable magazines, empty the chamber and remove any ammunition from the area.

Read and follow your owner’s manual - even if you think you “know what you’re doing” make sure you fully read and follow the manual for that particular firearm. Every design has its own quirks and nuances around safety operation and disassembly. It’s your responsibility to know your firearm!

Avoid distractions - Pay full attention to what you’re doing, and don’t clean or perform other maintenance on your firearm while watching TV or doing anything else that can take your mind away from the task at hand.

Maintain muzzle awareness - treat every weapon as if it is loaded and always keep it pointed in a safe direction.

Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while handling a weapon – alcohol along with some over the counter or prescriptions drugs can impair normal mental and physical functioning.

For more information on privately owned weapons safety go to: https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Privately-Owned-Weapons

 

 

A 27-year-old Sergeant assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, died in a Privately Owned Weapons (POW) mishap 22 December 2024 on the installation at 1300 local. The Soldier was driving his personal vehicle when a hunter fired at a deer across the road. The round passed through the driver’s side door, striking the Soldier.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of two Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This mishap was the third POW fatality of FY25 and above the number of POW fatalities for the same time last year.