Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 29-year-old Specialist assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in a PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishap 19 February 2023 in Clatskanie, Oregon, at 1800 local. During a 13-vehicle movement en route to Camp Rilea, Oregon, the convoy pulled off the highway to conduct a maintenance halt. One of the Soldiers was placing warning triangles on the roadway to block traffic when he was struck by a civilian vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. The Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of six Soldiers a year to PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishaps. This mishap was the second PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist fatality of FY23 and below the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
 

 

A 31-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a pedestrian mishap 9 December 2022, at 0936 local. The Soldier was walking south along Knox Street, when he attempted to cross at an intersection but failed to ensure that all lanes were clear. Traffic moving along Knox Street had a green light and one driver realized the Soldier was about to cross and stopped. A second vehicle did not see the Soldier when he entered his lane and struck the Soldier. The Soldier was transported to the local medical center. Upon arrival, he was pronounced dead.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of six Soldiers a year to pedestrian mishaps. This mishap was the first pedestrian fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

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 raises awareness of the dangers to pedestrians and provides tips to keep them safe.

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.

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A 21-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a PMV-4 mishap 30 August 2022 at 2323 local. The Soldier was drinking at a bar with his cousin when he left on foot. At 1807, the acting platoon sergeant received a call from another Soldier stating he had just received a call from the missing Soldier’s cousin. The cousin stated she had been called by the Austin County Morgue as the suspected next of kin for a body being held by the morgue labeled “John Doe.” On 31 Aug 2022, the Soldier’s body was positively identified by his wife. Unit personnel received reports that the Soldier was struck and killed by two vehicles on the highway, and the Austin Police Department (APD) responded to the scene. The mishap is being investigated by the APD.

Since 2017, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishaps. This mishap was the second PMV-Pedestrian/Non-Motorist fatality of FY22 and below the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

A PEDESTRIAN WAS KILLED EVERY 81 MINUTES IN TRAFFIC CRASHES IN 2020.

Know that walking home drunk or high can be dangerous.

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 raises awareness of the dangers to pedestrians and provides tips to keep them safe.

8 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.

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Two Privates assigned to the Army Reserve, Tupelo, Mississippi, on battle assembly orders died in a pedestrian mishap 9 July 2021 in New Albany, Mississippi, at 0800 local. Four Army Reserve Soldiers were traveling on Interstate 22 near Myrtle and New Albany, Mississippi, en route to battle assembly when one of the Soldiers experienced a flat tire on her vehicle. Two other Soldiers stopped to render assistance in changing the tire and were both struck by a vehicle. The two Soldiers were dead when Mississippi Highway Patrol arrived on scene.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to pedestrian/non-motorist mishaps. This mishap resulted in the fifth and sixth pedestrian/non-motorist fatalities of FY21.


When dealing with a flat tire on the highway:

Pull over and out of traffic if possible — Even if all of the emergency lights are activated, some highway drivers do not pay close attention and could rear-end the disabled vehicle, causing further damage or injury.

Alert other drivers — Once off the road, put out reflectorized triangles behind your vehicle to alert other drivers. Keep your emergency flashers on. Keep as much distance as possible between you and the disabled vehicle until traffic has been diverted around it.

Tackle changing a tire only if you can do so without placing yourself in danger — If you know how to change a tire, have the equipment and can do it safely without being near traffic, change the tire as you normally would.

Remember that being safe must take precedence over your schedule or whatever other concerns you may have. Changing a tire with traffic whizzing past can be nerve-wracking at best and dangerous at worst. Therefore, it may be best to get professional help if you have a tire problem or other breakdown on a multi-lane highway.

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A Specialist assigned to the Army National Guard, Thibodaux, Louisiana, activated under Title 10 orders to support the Southwest border mission, died in a pedestrian mishap 10 July 2021 in McAllen, Texas, at 0330 local. The Soldier was crossing a road when he was struck by multiple civilian vehicles. He was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other casualties reported. The specific circumstances of the mishap are unknown at this time.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to pedestrian/non-motorist mishaps. This mishap was the fourth pedestrian/non-motorist fatality of FY21.


Pedestrian Safety Tips:

1. Be predictable. 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. Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.

5. Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.

6. 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.

7. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.

8. Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

9. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.

10. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.

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