Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Specialist assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap 11 November 2021 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 2330 local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle in an apartment complex parking lot when he lost control and collided with two parked vehicles. He was evacuated to the local hospital and pronounced dead upon arrival by the attending physician. At this time, it is unknown who notified 911 and reported the mishap. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed and use of personal protective equipment, are also unknown. Alcohol or drugs were not a contributing factor to the mishap. The Soldier was not licensed and did not complete the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses. The safety/unit points of contact are waiting for Fayetteville Police Department to release their final report.

Since 2017, the Army has lost an average of 25 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the third off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY22.

At some point, many people flirt with the idea of riding a motorcycle. It is a noble goal, but not without plenty of obstacles - and that is before traffic even comes into play. How can anyone learn to ride without a license - or even without a bike? What if the new bike shows up, along with a big box of expensive gear, and riding just is not your thing? Truthfully, the whole idea - being among cars without the same protection offered by a car - can be somewhat scary.

For new riders, especially, a motorcycle safety course can provide a solution to most of these problems.

Counting down from 10, here are some tips to support why you should take training, beyond the fact that it is a regulatory requirement.

10: Motorcycle Safety Foundation-based courses are reputable
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's riding courses are the only such program in the world, and the organization carefully maintains its reputation and high standards. The MSF certifies its own coaches and provides certification programs. Many independent and state-sponsored schools use the MSF curriculum and employ MSF-certified coaches.
Courses are conducted throughout the riding season but availability varies by location. Motorcycle experience is not necessary for beginning courses, but some schools recommend that students be comfortable on a bicycle so the riding posture and balance are not very new sensations. Course tuition also varies depending on location. In some areas, costs are subsidized by corporations (like motorcycle manufacturers), government safety or training programs, or other nonprofits (like safety awareness organizations).

There are some guidelines to follow when selecting a course; any high quality program should be happy to provide this information. Reputable schools use late-model motorcycles, regularly inspected and certified according to local safety laws. At a good school, classes will be small so the instructors can pay attention to everyone. Schools' websites should provide the information necessary to prepare for class, such as what will happen during inclement weather, whether students need a motorcycle permit or if just a driver's license will suffice, fill out any liability forms required, and whether the state licensing exam is available after completing the course.

9: Motorcycle safety courses improve the hobby's reputation
Scary fact: More than half of all motorcycle crashes involve riders with fewer than five months of experience. Motorcycling does not enjoy a flawless public perception, but the sport's advocates believe that if riders hold themselves to a higher standard, some of the negative misconceptions about motorcycles - namely, that most riders are reckless and disregard the safety of themselves and fellow motorists - might diminish over time. Riders gain more respect by taking the time to attend training.

Even careful, responsible riders must face the realities of the sport's reputation. Being injured is an ongoing concern for new and experienced riders alike. Although nothing can guarantee that a rider will not get hurt, the intent of motorcycle training is to prepare all riders to cope with a variety of situations and enjoy the road as safely as possible.
A rider who is serious about the hobby should be properly educated and trained and ride appropriately, to avoid undermining these efforts.

8: The most popular motorcycle safety courses are designed for novice riders
Basic courses are the first step for all new riders, and the cornerstone of a quality motorcycle safety-training program. This level provides expert instruction and observed practice in a safe and comfortable environment, so new riders will be less overwhelmed when they finally hit the road solo.
If instruction at this level sounds too basic, there are many other options for more experienced riders.

7: Refresher courses help with forgotten or neglected skills
There are a variety of courses for riders with some experience, but desire a bit of professional attention. Perhaps it has been a while, due to an injury or illness, because the weather has been bad or because the rider decide to re-enter the sport. Maybe life just got in the way and took the focus off riding. Better to seek help and regain the necessary confidence than to take a risk with stale skills.

Whatever the reason, a motorcycle safety course can help whip a lapsed rider right back into shape.

6: Experienced rider? Try an intermediate course
Eager to recapture the thrill of those early days on a motorcycle? In an intermediate class, designed for experienced riders, instructors will examine skills with a fresh eye, offer new techniques to enhance the riding experience and provide feedback to correct bad habits.

Specific course offerings vary by school and location, but there are many options for experienced riders. There are a few different levels of basic skill enhancement, as well as courses designed specifically for street riding.

Many schools require intermediate students to bring their own motorcycles to the class - that way, instructors can focus on refining skills and students are not distracted by operating an unfamiliar vehicle. Any of these courses (or similar courses offered by a local school) will improve the quality of life for a motorcycle enthusiast. There is always room for improvement, after all.

5: Some motorcycle safety courses offer specialized skill training
Thanks in part to high gas prices, scooters are rising in popularity. Scooters are different from motorcycles mainly because most of them feature automatic transmissions and they are easier to ride. However, some scooters are even more powerful than an average bike. Since scooters are especially popular in urban areas with heavy traffic, it is important to learn to ride properly. If made in advance, some motorcycle schools will teach the basic course to students on scooters. Other schools offer scooter-specific training courses.
Many schools offer advanced courses for general, yet in-depth, refinement of skill and technique.

4: It is a smarter investment than blindly buying a bike
It is a lot of fun to browse eBay and Craigslist, so it is understandable that many new riders have selected a few potential bikes before getting a grasp on the state's licensing requirements.

Looks are not everything. It is easy to believe the best way to get experience is on a newly purchased motorcycle, but in fact, the opposite is true. Most motorcycle safety courses provide helmets and motorcycles for the hands-on instruction segments of the entry-level class (but of course, check with the school first - students sometimes need to bring their own gloves and other protective equipment). For new riders, taking a course is an inexpensive way to try riding, without making the full investment in a bike and gear, not to mention maintenance and insurance.

After completing a motorcycle safety course, it is easier to make a more educated decision about buying. Riders will gain some insight about what kind of motorcycles they would prefer to own, and the school's instructors might be willing to provide valuable advice. Some schools have a variety of bikes in the fleet, so students can switch it up and try different types, and the class instruction segment of the course sometimes covers the basics of choosing a motorcycle. It will be easier to go shopping after completing the course, since motorcycle dealerships will not allow test rides to prospective buyers without motorcycle licenses. An investment of several thousand dollars, or more, is not cheap - there is little point in buying a motorcycle up front, only to find out that riding it is not as appealing as you imagined.

3: Possible insurance discounts... and other benefits
Some insurance providers will give a discount on motorcycle insurance after completion of a certified motorcycle safety course. The discount usually ranges from five to 20 percent, depending on the particular insurance carrier. Motorcycle insurance is not cheap, so these savings can be substantial. Sometimes, a rider will break even on taking the course. The discount is not only for new riders. A motorcycle rider who takes a course might still be eligible for this benefit - it is always worth asking the insurance agent.
Sometimes, there are other financial benefits to completing a motorcycle course. When shopping for a brand new motorcycle after completing a motorcycle safety course, ask the salesperson or check the manufacturer's website to see if they offer any discounts or bonuses.

2: It is a faster path to a motorcycle license
The local motor vehicle registration office is rarely a pleasant experience. Imagine strolling in to take the motorcycle-licensing exam, trudging out to a parking lot and working it like a show pony while the examiner yells out commands. Kind of intimidating, right?

Now consider that in some states, successful completion of a motorcycle safety course or other recognized programs can allow a rider to bypass the written or riding portions of the motorcycle license exam, and in a few states, riders qualify for a motorcycle license immediately and automatically after passing the course. Some schools work with the state to offer the riding exam on site, under the same conditions as the course's instruction, and students can use the same motorcycles. That should give a boost of confidence to nervous riders!

Some schools require students to hold a current motorcycle permit (in many states, available based on the completion of a written test); others require only a valid driver's license. However, that is the easy part. Since state laws vary widely, it is always best to do some research. Both the state motor vehicle registry and local motorcycle schools' websites should provide the information necessary to understand all the steps involved in obtaining a motorcycle license.

1: Get confident... and in turn, make riding a motorcycle more fun
A motorcycle safety course might actually be fun - after all, riding is supposed to be fun - but that is not the program's primary goal. According to testimonials on many schools' websites, new riders often describe the course as intense and rigorous. The results demonstrate that the intensity pays off. Generally, schools estimate that about 80 to 90 percent of students pass the beginner course on the first attempt.

Though a motorcycle safety course teaches skills in a highly controlled environment, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation says that the techniques are applicable to any situation. Even though the offerings of a school's beginner fleet might not satisfy the dreams of future cruising, learning on smaller motorcycles still provides the techniques to master a bigger bike, according to the MSF. That confidence will pay dividends in the end, because well-trained new riders will be less distracted and more able to concentrate on developing those skills and techniques.

So, which sounds more appealing for a first solo cruise? The thrill of flying blind brings with it unnecessary and extreme recklessness. Venturing out, with the assurance gained only from being taught and observed by qualified instructors, will allow a new rider to enjoy more pleasures of the experience of riding.

 

A Sergeant First Class assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap 11 November 2021 in Raeford, North Carolina, at 2330 local. Initial reports indicate the Soldier was operating his motorcycle when he left the roadway and was thrown off, suffering a fatal injury. The Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. At this time, it is unknown who discovered the body and notified 911. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, the Soldier’s use of personal protective equipment, and the involvement of alcohol or drugs, are also unknown. The Soldier completed all required Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the North Carolina State Highway Patrol to release its final report.

Since 2017, the Army has lost an average of 25 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the second off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY22.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Night Riding: Quite often you’ll have to ride at night. After all, it is dark 50 percent of the time. Dusk is the worst time, when people’s eyes are adjusting from daylight to headlights. Be especially careful just after sunset. The following tips might help:

-Slow down when riding at night, especially on any sort of winding road.

-Use your own headlights, and those of other traffic, to keep an eye on the road surface. It is more difficult at night to see the patch of sand or something that fell out of a pickup.

-Distance between you and the vehicle in front becomes even more important at night. Give yourself room to react.

-Wear a clear face shield without scratches. A scratched shield can create light refraction that might confuse you; two headlights can look like four, and you don’t know who is coming from where.

-One of your biggest hazards at night may be a “who” coming from a few hours of drinking.

-Be especially alert for drivers and vehicles doing odd things, like weaving in and out of traffic, and give them lots of room.

 

A Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a PMV-4 mishap 9 November 2021 in Belton, Texas, at 1738 local. The Soldier was traveling east when he lost control of his vehicle, struck a guard rail and exited the roadway. The vehicle traveled another 60 meters, coming to rest upside down in Nolan Creek, approximately 1 foot deep. It is unknown who called 911. The Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to the local medical center. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including seat belt use, speed, and alcohol or drugs as contributing factors, are unknown at this time. The safety/unit points of contact are waiting for local law enforcement to release their final report.

Since 2017, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 4th PMV-4 fatality of FY22.

Stay Alert – Avoid Distractions

Distractions are everywhere today and becoming more and more difficult to avoid. Remember, your eyes and ears are your best tools for keeping safe. Stay alert and watch out.

1. Avoid distractions while operating a vehicle.
2. Your focus should be on the task of driving safely.
3. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area you’re driving in.
4. Focus as far to your front as possible, using peripheral vision to scan for obstacles.
5. Maintain the posted speed limit.
6. Always wear your seat belt and ensure your passengers do the same.

 

A 20-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia, died in a PMV-4 mishap 30 October 2021 on the installation at approximately 0521 local. The Soldier was driving with another Soldier riding as a passenger when he lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn multiple times before coming to rest on its roof. The Soldiers were discovered by a hunter who called 911. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, who suffered non-fatal injuries, was transported to the local hospital for further evaluation and treatment. It is unknown exactly what time the mishap occurred. Speed and alcohol were reported as contributing factors to the mishap, and the Soldiers were wearing their seat belts. The safety/unit points of contact are waiting for the results of the local investigation.

Since 2017, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the third PMV-4 fatality of FY22.

How to be a better passenger

Share the responsibilities

Making yourself useful – whether you offer to operate the navigation or act as another set of eyes for the driver – can help avoid any accidents that would have happened due to distraction or driver fatigue. Keeping watch for any diversions and reading road signs will also help the driver to focus on the task at hand.

Banish backseat driving

Keeping a watchful eye for things the driver might miss is helpful; criticizing every move the driver makes could be harmful. If the driver gets frustrated or annoyed, the likelihood is they’ll pay less attention to the road, which could lead to an easily avoidable accident.

Speeding is more than just breaking the law

The consequences are far-ranging:
• Greater potential for loss of vehicle control;
• Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment;
• Increased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger;
• Increased degree of crash severity, leading to more severe injuries;
• Economic implications of a speed-related crash; and increased fuel consumption/cost.

 

A Chief Warrant Officer 2 assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a PMV-4 mishap 3 November 2021 in Gatesville, Texas, at 1530 local. The Soldier’s vehicle hydroplaned into oncoming traffic and was struck on the passenger side by a civilian vehicle. The Soldier and driver of the other vehicle were both transported to the local hospital and admitted to the level one trauma unit. The Soldier had significant brain swelling and underwent surgery to relieve the pressure. Following surgery, the Soldier had no measurable brain activity and the family decided to remove him from life support. The Soldier was pronounced dead on 8 November. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including use of seat belts, speed, and alcohol or drugs as contributing factors, are unknown at this time. The safety/unit points of contact are waiting for local law enforcement to release their final report.

Since 2017, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the second PMV-4 fatality of FY22.

Driving safely on wet roads or in the rain can be challenging. When the road you're driving on doesn't drain well or the rain is heavy enough for puddles to form, it can become downright dangerous — especially if your tires are not ready for those conditions.

If you've ever driven on a wet road and felt your vehicle slipping or skidding for a split second or more, you were likely hydroplaning.

What is Hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is skimming or sliding on top of a film of water between your tires and the road, resulting in a loss of steering capabilities and braking effectiveness. It happens when you drive over a wet surface faster than the tires can displace the water underneath them, resulting in loss of contact with the road.

How to Avoid Hydroplaning
Losing control of your vehicle even for a moment can be very unnerving, but there are steps you can take to try and avoid hydroplaning.

Ensure adequate tread depth on your tires:
Worn tires have less tread depth, which means they don't have the deep channels that are needed to move the water away effectively. This will cause the tires to ride on top of the water more easily, and if you're on top of the water, you don't have traction.

Checking tread depth is something you can easily do yourself:
Insert a penny in the center of your tire tread with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you; if you can see all of Lincoln's head, you have less than 2/32 inch of tread, and that's not enough to safely drive on a wet road.

Reduce your speed:
The most dangerous time to drive is immediately after it starts raining. The instant a drop hits your windshield, it is a good idea to slow down. Rain mixes with oil and rubber on the road, creating a slicker surface. Once the water pools even a little, hydroplaning is possible. The faster you drive in wet conditions, the less time your tires have to channel the water away. No matter how good or new your tires are, they will hydroplane at a certain speed.

Don't use cruise control:
It is never safe to use your cruise control in inclement weather, because you may need instant control of your speed in the event the car surprises you with a change in direction.

Drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead:
Following the tracks of the car in front of you allows you to drive on strips of road where the amount of road water has already been dispersed by the previous vehicle, which means less water for your tires to navigate. Make sure to keep a safe distance.

Avoid puddles:
It takes only a small layer of water to hydroplane, so it's best to stay out of puddles altogether if you can. Keep in mind that the longer it rains and the deeper the puddle, the more likely you are to hydroplane.

What to Do if Your Vehicle Hydroplanes
The appropriate reaction in a moment like this can be the difference between recovery and further loss of control. Much like driving on ice, the best reaction is to not overreact.

Safe recovery is more about finesse than brute strength. If you panic and brake hard or try to speed up, you risk making the skid or slide worse.

If you feel your car changing direction on its own, let off the gas but don't hit the brake. Then, although it may seem counterintuitive, gently steer your car in the direction you are skidding. This is called "turning into the skid" and will help you regain control by realigning your tires with the direction your car is traveling.

Stay calm and wait for your tires to get their grip; stay alert for any other possible hydroplaning hazards ahead.

Thankfully, most hydroplaning situations last only a few seconds. Although it's important to know good techniques to deal with them, the best defense against hydroplaning is to make sure you have good tires and to maintain them properly. Check your tread depth and air pressure regularly and have them rotated every 3,000 to 6,000 miles or during each oil change.

Check out our “In the Spotlight” series from the ODSAP Presentation at the following link:
https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Home-and-Family/Off-Duty-Safety-Awareness-Presentation-2021

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