Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 28-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a motorcycle mishap 16 May 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 2200 local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle at an intersection. He recently purchased the bike without informing his command, did not have a motorcycle endorsement on his driver's license and had not completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 16th motorcycle fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

A valid Colorado motorcycle license or endorsement is required to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads in Colorado. Operating a motorcycle without a valid license is illegal and can result in penalties.

Per Army Regulation 385-10:

Prior to operating any two- or three-wheeled vehicle that requires the operator to be licensed with a motorcycle endorsement in the state or host nation, Soldiers will successfully complete the Basic RiderCourse. Training may be accomplished on a contractor-provided motorcycle or the individual’s own motorcycle. If approved by the commander, the Soldier may ride a motorcycle to the training site or location.

There is a significant link between motorcycle fatalities and lack of training, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A substantial percentage of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes are unlicensed or lack formal training. Specifically, NHTSA reports that 34% of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes in 2023 were riding without valid motorcycle licenses. Additionally, 92% of motorcycle accidents involve drivers who did not complete formal motorcycle safety training.

A 61-year-old lieutenant colonel assigned to Sgt. Charles R. Long United States Army Reserve Center, Independence, Missouri, died in a Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap 12 May 2025 in Maries County, Missouri, at 1945 local. The Soldier was driving his privately owned utility task vehicle (UTV) on a gravel road when he lost control and struck a tree. Additional information is currently available.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of nine Soldiers a year to off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishaps. This mishap was the third off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training fatality of FY25 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

• Adhere to speed limits and adjust speed based on the terrain and conditions.
• Always wear a seat belt when operating a UTV.
• Make wide turns and avoid sharp maneuvers, especially on uneven ground.
• When reversing, use a spotter if necessary and always look behind you.
• Drive straight up or down hills to prevent rollover accidents.
• Slow down to turn.
• Use four-wheel drive, if available, and slow speeds on slippery surfaces to prevent skidding.
• Maintain payloads within weight limits and secure them for travel.
• Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
• Familiarize yourself with the terrain and its challenges before riding.
• Consider wearing a protective suit if riding alone.

A 19-year-old Specialist assigned to the Arkansas Army National Guard, Camp Robinson, Arkansas, died in a PMV-4 mishap 4 May 2025 in Little Rock, Arkansas, at 1900 local. The Soldier was driving to his home of record from battle assembly weekend when he rear-ended a stopped tractor-trailer. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 18th PMV-4 fatality of FY25 and below the number of PMV-4 fatalities for this time last year.

Safety Tips

Drowsy driving kills, but it is preventable. Read below for three factors commonly associated with drowsy-driving crashes and pick up some helpful tips to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.

Crashes and Fatalities

Sleepiness can result in crashes any time of the day or night, but three factors are most commonly associated with drowsy-driving crashes. Drowsy-driving crashes:

1. Occur most frequently between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late afternoon. At both times of the day, people experience dips in their circadian rhythm — the human body’s internal clock that regulates sleep.
2. Often involve only a single driver (and no passengers) running off the road at a high rate of speed with no evidence of braking.
3. Frequently occur on rural roads and highways.

How to Avoid Driving Drowsy

1. Getting adequate sleep on a daily basis is the only true way to protect yourself against the risks of driving when you’re drowsy. Experts urge consumers to make it a priority to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
2. Before the start of a long family car trip, get a good night’s sleep, or you could put your entire family and others at risk.
3. Many teens do not get enough sleep at a stage in life when their biological need for sleep increases, which makes them vulnerable to the risk of drowsy-driving crashes, especially on longer trips. Advise your teens to delay driving until they’re well-rested.
4. Avoid drinking any alcohol before driving. Consumption of alcohol interacts with sleepiness to increase drowsiness and impairment.
5. Always check your prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to see if drowsiness could result from their use.
6. If you take medications that could cause drowsiness as a side effect, use public transportation when possible.
7. If you drive, avoid driving during the peak sleepiness periods (midnight – 6 a.m. and late afternoon). If you must drive during the peak sleepiness periods, stay vigilant for signs of drowsiness, such as crossing over roadway lines or hitting a rumble strip, especially if you’re driving alone.

A 29-year-old Private First Class assigned to U.S. Army Reserve Center, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, died in a PMV-4 mishap 4 May 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at 0142 local. The Soldier was driving his privately owned vehicle when he struck a concrete barrier at a high rate of speed. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 17th PMV-4 fatality of FY25 and below the number of PMV-4 fatalities for this same time last year.

12 Safety Tips for Driving at Night

It’s not just paranoia: Driving at night is actually more dangerous. Fatal accidents are three times more likely at night compared with the daytime, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Ironically, some kinds of light — like the glare from too-bright lights — can compound the problem. But other factors add to the challenge of driving at night. Here are 12 tips that could help reduce the risk.

1. Be extra defensive
2. Combat fatigue
3. Clean up your view
4. Avoid two-lane highways
5. Slow down
6. Angle your headlights correctly
7. Use high beams when appropriate
8. Tweak your inside lighting
9. Look in the right direction
10. Watch for wildlife
11. Take care of your eyes
12. Test and use your lights

Tips provided by NHTSA, NSC, IIHS and GEICO Living article

A 20-year-old Corporal assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap 4 May 2025 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 2100 local. The Soldier was operating his recently purchased motorcycle when he lost control while entering a curve and departed the roadway. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and found the Soldier unresponsive. He was transported to Cape Fear Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Soldier had completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic Rider Course. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 15th PMV-2 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Know the Common Dangers of Night Riding

• Poor visibility
• Road damage and debris
• Animals
• Drivers under the influence
• Drowsiness
• Weather
• Fog

9 Tips for Safe Night Riding

1. Avoid looking directly into headlights
2. Avoid risky riding practices
3. Avoid tinted visors
4. Ensure your lights Are functioning
5. Refrain from using substances
6. Use high-visibility clothing and gear
7. Use reflective tape and decals
8. Maintain a safe driving distance
9. Leverage other vehicles’ lights

Tips provided by Cycle Trader.