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Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

About Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

PLRs are intended to be used as an engagement tool for leaders to discuss the hazards and trends impacting Soldier safety and readiness. A PLR contains only basic information, as the investigation is ongoing, but provides sufficient background to allow leaders an opportunity to communicate risk at the Soldier level.

 

PLR 23-039 - PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-4

A 22-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, died in a PMV-4 mishap 15 April 2023 in Oakwood, Oklahoma, at 1530 local. The Soldier was traveling southbound when a civilian vehicle crossed the centerline and collided with his vehicle. Initial reports indicate the civilian driver may have fallen asleep. Currently, there is no indication that drugs or alcohol contributed to the mishap. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) responded and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting the OHP 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 14th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Head-on motor vehicle collisions are deadly. In 2019, they were responsible for nearly 30% of the 16,700 U.S. roadway deaths that resulted from crashes with other vehicles, according to the National Safety Council (NSC).

You can help prevent a potential head-on collision before it occurs. The NSC has developed a lifesaving method for drivers to use – the four R’s.

  • Read the road ahead. Scan ahead to the top of the next hill, curve or intersection to recognize hazards. This will help you see and react faster if an oncoming vehicle crosses the centerline. Also, check the shoulder of the road to see if you’ve got room to pull over. Watch the space between the left-front tire of any approaching vehicle and the centerline. If the spacing is becoming smaller, that vehicle may be about to stray into your lane.

  • Drive to the right. Drive slightly to the right of center of your lane to create an extra space between you and other vehicles. On multi-lane roadways, leave one lane to the left open. When facing a head-on collision, drive onto the right shoulder. Never swerve into the left lane. If the other driver instinctively pulls their vehicle back into the proper lane, you’ll have a collision in that lane.

  • Reduce your speed. If you see a hazard ahead, immediately reduce your speed. This gives you extra time and gives the oncoming driver time to recover and move back into the correct lane. Don’t slam on the brakes or swerve. And never stop your vehicle. If you stop completely, you may be struck from behind – and potentially be pushed forward into the oncoming vehicle.

  • Ride off the road. If you must choose between a head-on collision and riding onto the shoulder, your chances of survival are much better on the shoulder. If you must hit something, steer your vehicle to hit the object with a glancing blow rather than head-on. Every inch off center reduces the impact of the collision – and increases your chance for survival.

    Tips from NSC Safety + Health

     

 

PLR 23-038 – PMV-Pedestrian Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Pedestrian

A 23-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a PMV-Pedestrian mishap in Copperas Cove, Texas, at local. The Soldier was walking home northbound when he was struck by a southbound vehicle.

Since , the Army has lost an average of six Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-Pedestrian mishaps. This mishap was the third PMV-Pedestrian fatality of FY23.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Walk on a sidewalk or path. If neither is available, walk facing traffic and as far from cars as possible.

Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible; this is where drivers expect pedestrians. If neither is an option, locate a well-lit area, wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic as you cross.

Be alert. Walkers wearing headphones or using a cellphone might not hear a car horn or could miss a traffic signal at a crosswalk.

Never assume drivers see you; they could be distracted or impaired. It’s best to make eye contact with drivers to make sure you are seen. Make yourself visible by wearing brightly colored clothing during the day. At night, wear reflective materials or use a flashlight.

 

 

PLR 23-037 - Aviation Mishap Claims Nine Soldier's Lives

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Aviation

Four Warrant Officers and five enlisted Soldiers assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in an aviation mishap 29 March 2023 in Cadiz, Kentucky, at approximately 2140 local. While conducting night training in a military operations area/special use airspace, two HH-60 aircraft collided midair. The collision resulted in nine fatalities and the total loss of both aircraft. A Centralized Accident Investigation team from U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is leading the investigation.

Since FY18, the Army has had an average of seven Class A aviation flight mishaps and lost an average of five Soldiers per year to on-duty aviation mishaps. This was the fourth Class A aviation mishap of FY23 and one above the number of similar mishaps during the same time last year.

 

 

PLR 23-036 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-2

A 38-year-old Sergeant First Class assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina died in a PMV-2 mishap 25 March 2023 in Sanford, North Carolina, at 2200 local. The Soldier reportedly was riding his motorcycle when he collided with a civilian vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including the mishap sequence, Soldier’s use of personal protective equipment, speed, and the involvement of alcohol as a contributing factor are currently unknown. The Soldier completed the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation training.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 12th PMV-2 fatality of FY23.

 

 

PLR 23-035 – PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-2
A 31-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia died in a PMV-2 mishap 23 March 2023 in Columbus, Georgia, at 2230 local. The Soldier was on his way home when a civilian SUV failed to yield the right of way while making a left turn and striking the Soldier. The Soldier was transported to the local hospital and pronounced dead upon arrival. The Soldier was wearing the required personal protective equipment and completed the mandatory Motorcycle Safety Foundation training. Speed and the involvement of alcohol were not contributing factors. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the Columbus Police Department to release their final report.

Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the eleventh PMV-2 fatality of FY23.

“Do’s” for riding a motorcycle at night

1) Make your motorcycle more visible
2) Wear reflective motorcycle gear
3) Wear a bright colored helmet
4) Add reflective tape to your motorcycle
5) Make your presence heard with a loud exhaust
6) Add more lights to your motorcycle at night
7) Make sure your motorcycle’s headlights are clean
8) Increase your vision
9) Keep your visor clean
10) Always ride slowly and with caution

“Don’ts” for riding a motorcycle at night

1) Do not drive into the glare of oncoming traffic
2) Do not ride outside the range of your headlights
3) Do not use dark-tinted visor
4) Do not stop at empty stretches of roads

 

 

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