Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 26-year-old Private First Class assigned to 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, died in an automobile mishap 7 March 2026 near Florence, Texas, at 0200 local. The Soldier was traveling back to Fort Hood in a private motor vehicle with two other Soldiers when they were involved in the mishap. The other Soldiers received minor injuries. Details regarding speed, seat belt use, and whether alcohol or drugs were involved are under investigation. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty automobile mishaps. This was the 13th off-duty automobile fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.  

Safety Tips

• Use Headlights Effectively: Always turn on your headlights when driving at night. Ensure they are clean and function properly to maximize visibility. Use high beams when there are no oncoming vehicles, but switch to low beams to avoid blinding other drivers.
• Manage Glare: The glare from oncoming headlights can be distracting. To reduce this, focus on the right side of the road and avoid looking directly at the lights of approaching vehicles. Keeping your windshield clean can also help minimize glare.
• Stay Alert and Rested: Fatigue is a significant risk factor for nighttime driving. Ensure you are well-rested before hitting the road and take regular breaks during long drives. If you feel drowsy, pull over safely, sip a caffeinated drink and take a short nap.
• Adjust Your Speed: Nighttime driving reduces visibility, so it’s crucial to drive at a slower speed to give yourself more time to react to obstacles or hazards. Remember that even with high beams, visibility is limited.
• Check Your Vision: Night driving can be challenging, especially as we age. Regular eye exams are essential to ensure your vision is adequate for nighttime driving. If you wear glasses, make sure they are suitable for night use.
• Prepare for Emergencies: Always have a backup plan in case of vehicle trouble. Keep an emergency kit in your car, including water, snacks and a blanket. Familiarize yourself with roadside assistance options.
• Limit Interior Light: Keep the inside of your vehicle as dark as possible to maintain your night vision. Avoid using bright screens or lights that can distract you while driving.

A 35-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to 302nd Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died following a motorcycle mishap on 28 February 2026 near the installation at 1815 local. The Soldier was riding a neighbor’s motorcycle when the mishap occurred. He was airlifted to Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, where he later died. Helmet and other personal protective equipment use, as well as the involvement of alcohol or drugs, are currently unknown. Additional information is unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 31 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the eighth motorcycle fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year. 

A 27-year-old Specialist assigned to the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, died in a Government Motor Vehicle (GMV) mishap 23 February 2026 on the installation at 1314 local. The Soldier was ground guiding a vehicle when he was pinned between it and another vehicle. Emergency medical services personnel responded promptly to the scene, initiated CPR and transported the Soldier to a local hospital, where he died. Additional information is currently unavailable. The USACRC is conducting the investigation.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of five Soldiers a year to on-duty GMV mishaps. This mishap was the third on-duty GMV fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Ground guiding tactical vehicles is an inherently dangerous task that demands constant communication, situational awareness and strict adherence to established procedures. A single moment of broken communication or poor positioning can have catastrophic consequences. Here are some essential safety tips to prevent mishaps when ground guiding a vehicle:

• Maintain a Safe Position: The ground guide must NEVER be positioned between the moving vehicle and another vehicle, wall or fixed object. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle and ensure you have a clear path to escape should the vehicle move unexpectedly.
• Establish Clear Communication: Before movement begins, the driver and ground guide must establish and review standard hand and arm signals.
• Stop if Visual Contact is Lost: The driver is required to stop the vehicle immediately if they lose sight of the ground guide at any time. Do not resume movement until positive visual contact and communication are re-established.
• Control Vehicle Speed: The vehicle must move at a slow, walking pace, allowing the ground guide to stay in a safe position and react to changing conditions. The ground guide controls the vehicle's movement; the driver only moves upon receiving a signal.
• Ensure All-Around Situational Awareness: Both the driver and the ground guide must remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Scan for personnel, equipment and obstacles in the vehicle's path, and anticipate potential pinch points or hazards before reaching them.

Two Specialists assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in an automobile mishap 14 February 2026 in Sanford, North Carolina, at 0330 local. The Soldiers’ vehicle collided head-on with a pickup truck. A third Soldier in the vehicle was critically injured and airlifted to Womack Army Medical Center. Details regarding speed, the use of personal protective equipment, and whether alcohol or drugs were involved are under investigation. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty automobile mishaps. These were the 11th and 12th off-duty automobile fatalities of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Head-on collisions are among the most severe and fatal types of traffic crashes, almost always resulting from one vehicle crossing the centerline into the path of oncoming traffic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the critical reason for a crash is assigned to the driver in 94 percent of cases, with errors in recognition (e.g., distraction), decision-making (e.g., speeding) and performance being the primary causes. Preventing these catastrophic driver errors is the key to avoiding head-on collisions. Here are some essential safety tips to prevent a head-on collision:

• Maintain Lane Discipline: The most fundamental task in driving is to keep your vehicle in the correct lane. Remain centered in your lane and avoid drifting toward the centerline, especially on undivided two-lane roads.
• Eliminate All Distractions: A moment of inattention is all it takes to cross into the opposing lane. Put your phone away, set your navigation before you drive, and avoid any activity that takes your eyes or your mind off the road.
• Stay Alert and Avoid Fatigue: Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, severely impairing judgment and reaction time. If you feel tired, pull over in a safe, well-lit area to rest before continuing your journey.
• Never Drive Impaired: Alcohol and drugs degrade the critical skills needed to operate a vehicle safely, leading to poor lane tracking and delayed reactions. Always have a plan for a sober ride if you plan to drink.
• Manage Speed for Conditions: Drive at a speed that is appropriate for the current road, weather and traffic conditions. Reducing speed in curves or when visibility is poor provides more time to react if an oncoming vehicle crosses into your lane.
• Practice Defensive Scanning: Actively scan the road far ahead and be aware of oncoming traffic. Watch for vehicles that are weaving or drifting in their lane, as this may be an early warning sign that a driver is distracted, impaired or fatigued, giving you precious seconds to take evasive action.

A Private First Class assigned to Fort Irwin, California, died in a motorcycle mishap 27 January 2026 in Baker, California, at 2200 local. The Soldier lost control of his motorcycle on Interstate 15, resulting in severe head trauma and multiple fractures. He was airlifted to University Medical Center in Las Vegas, where he later died. The Soldier reportedly had not completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic Rider Course and did not possess a motorcycle endorsement on his civilian driver’s license. Additional information, including personal protective equipment use, speed, or the involvement of alcohol or drugs, is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 31 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the seventh motorcycle fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Operating a motorcycle at night presents unique dangers that are fatally compounded when the rider lacks formal training and licensing. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 36 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were riding without a valid motorcycle license, a statistic that underscores the lethal consequences of inadequate preparation. Proper rider training is not just a regulatory requirement; it is the fundamental building block for surviving on the road, especially after dark. Here are some essential safety tips to prevent a loss-of-control motorcycle crash at night:

• Complete Mandatory Rider Training: All Soldiers must complete an approved Basic Rider Course (BRC) before operating a motorcycle. This training provides the foundational skills for braking, cornering and managing traction, which are even more critical when visibility is reduced.
• Obtain a Valid Motorcycle Endorsement: Riding without the proper motorcycle endorsement on a state-issued driver's license is illegal and proves a lack of basic competency. The skills test ensures a rider meets the minimum standards required to handle a motorcycle on public roads.
• Maximize Your Visibility with Proper PPE: Always wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet to prevent head trauma. For night riding, your gear should include retroreflective materials to make you more visible to other drivers. Full-fingered gloves, a long-sleeved jacket, long pants, and sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear are also mandatory.
• Adapt Your Riding for Nighttime Conditions: Reduce your speed to avoid "out-riding" your headlight, which is the mistake of traveling at a speed that does not allow you to stop within the distance illuminated by your headlight beam. Increase your following distance to at least six to eight seconds to compensate for reduced depth perception.
• Ride Within Your Skill Level: An interstate at night is one of the most demanding environments for a motorcyclist. New or untrained riders must gain experience on slower, less-congested roads during daylight hours before attempting to ride in such challenging conditions.
• Ensure Your Lighting is Functional: Before any night ride, conduct a pre-ride inspection (T-CLOCS) with special emphasis on your lights. Ensure your headlight (both high and low beams), taillight and brake lights are all clean and function perfectly. Your lights are your primary means of seeing and being seen.