A 21-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a PMV-4 mishap 15 April 2023 in Vermillion, Ohio, at 0319 local. Soldier No. 1 (driver) was driving with Soldier No. 2 (passenger) when he failed to navigate a curve, resulting in the vehicle crossing the divider, striking a pole and crashing into a home. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) responded to the scene., and both Soldiers were transported to the local hospital. Soldier No. 1 was pronounced dead upon arrival, while Soldier No. 2 is currently in critical condition on a ventilator. Soldier No. 1 was not wearing his seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. The OSHP suspect speed and alcohol were contributing factors to this mishap. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for OSHP to release its final report.
Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 15th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.
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 91.6% in 2022. Seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017. 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 Top 5 Things You Should Know About Buckling Up
1. Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash
Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle; being completely ejected from a vehicle is almost always deadly.
2. Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them
If you don’t wear your seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag. Such force could injure or even kill you. Learn about air bag safety.
3. Guidelines to buckle up safely
- The lap belt and shoulder belt are secured across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body.
- Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck.
- The lap belt rests across your hips, not your stomach.
- Never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.
4. Fit matters
- Before you buy a new car, check to see that its seat belts are a good fit for you.
- Ask your dealer about seat belt adjusters, which can help you get the best fit.
- If you need a roomier belt, contact your vehicle manufacturer to obtain seat belt extenders.
- If you drive an older or classic car with lap belts only, check with your vehicle manufacturer about how to retrofit your car with today’s safer lap/shoulder belts.
5. Seat belt safety for children and pregnant women
Find out when your child is ready to use an adult seat belt and learn about seat belt safety when you’re pregnant.
Tips from NHTSA