Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 22-year-old Specialist assigned to Grafenwoehr, Germany, died in a PMV-2 mishap 11 September 2022 in the Czech Republic near Ortschaft Horovice at 1255 local. The Police of the Czech Republic (PCR) reported that the Soldier was traveling at a high rate of speed and lost control. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The unit reported the Soldier as Absent Unknown on 13 September at 1130 hours and was notified of the mishap at 1457 hours. The Soldier was not properly licensed, had not completed the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation training, was not on an approved pass, and did not possess a passport. Additionally, the Soldier was given a written order not to operate his motorcycle. The involvement of alcohol or drugs and the Soldier’s use of personal protective is currently unknown. The safety/unit points of contact are waiting for the PCR 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 24th off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY22.

Speeding increases the risk of getting into traffic crashes that can severely injure or kill other motorists. Speeding also affects the ability to react in time to avoid having an accident. If they drive too fast, they might not be able to slow down or stop in time to prevent a deadly crash.

This can especially be the case for motorcyclists who have little to protect them from their external environment compared to drivers of enclosed motor vehicles.

Why Drivers Speed
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 9,000 people were killed due to a driver speeding in 2018.

Several factors contribute to the increase in drivers speeding on our roads, as noted by the NHTSA. These include:

-Traffic congestion – With traffic increasing on our roads and highways, some drivers may get frustrated and respond by speeding, passing other cars frequently and recklessly, and become enraged at whoever they believe impedes their progress.
-Running behind schedule – Some drivers speed because they are running late for work or school. They also might be late in picking up the kids or getting to an appointment.
-Ability to be anonymous – When you are driving alone in your car, you are insulated from the rest of the world. This may allow some drivers to develop a sense of detachment, which can encourage them to feel less constrained and act recklessly because no one is witnessing their dangerous behavior.

While a traffic ticket is one consequence of speeding, the act can lead to other unfavorable outcomes with far-reaching implications, including:

-Higher risk of losing control of the vehicle
-Less ability to brake or stop in time if pending danger ahead
-Increased risk of a crash resulting in injuries to one or all parties involved
-Economic impact caused by speed-related accident

All these points illustrate how speeding can affect motorcycle accidents. If the driver of the motorcycle is not able to stop in time or have enough room to stop, they can make a mistake by overcorrecting and causing a crash.

Speeding is also viewed as a form of aggressive driving, particularly when a driver:
-Fails to obey the posted speed limit
-Follows vehicles too closely
-Passes illegally or where it is prohibited
-Changes lanes erratically
-Does not use signals
-Engages in racing

Safety tips by Ben Crump Attorney, NHTSA

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A 24-year-old Corporal assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in a PMV-4 mishap 11 September 2022 in Big Spring, Texas, at 1400 local. The Soldier was on leave, traveling with her family, when their vehicle overturned. She died at the scene. The Soldier’s husband, who was driving the vehicle and is also a Soldier, and child were transported to a higher-level medical center for further care and evaluation. They are both listed in critical condition. It is suspected that the fatally injured Soldier was in the back seat with the child and not wearing her seat belt. The specific circumstances surrounding the mishap are under investigation by local law enforcement.

Since 2017, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 31st PMV-4 fatality of FY22 and below the number of fatalities for the same time period 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 90.4% in 2021. 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.

Of the 23,824 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2020, 51% were not wearing seat belts — a 4% increase from 2019.

The consequences of not wearing, or improperly wearing, a seat belt are clear:

1. Buckling up helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle, whereas not buckling up can result in being totally ejected from the vehicle in a crash, which is almost always deadly.

2. Air bags are not enough to protect you; in fact, the force of an air bag can seriously injure or even kill you if you’re not buckled up.

3. Improperly wearing a seat belt, such as putting the strap below your arm, puts you and your children at risk in a crash.


The benefits of buckling up are equally clear:
If you buckle up in the front seat of a passenger car, you can reduce your risk of:
-Fatal injury by 45% (Kahane, 2015)
-Moderate to critical injury by 50%

If you buckle up in a light truck, you can reduce your risk of:
-Fatal injury by 60% (Kahane, 2015)
-Moderate to critical injury by 65% (NHTSA, 1984)

The Top 4 Things You Should Know About Buckling Up

58% OF THOSE KILLED DURING THE NIGHTTIME IN 2020 WERE UNRESTRAINED

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.

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A Specialist assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in an off-duty water-related mishap 10 September 2022 near the Red River in Clarksville, Tennessee, at 1530 local. The Soldier fell into the water while walking along the Red River bank with a group of Soldiers. A second Soldier jumped into the river to rescue the first Soldier but was unsuccessful. Local law enforcement recovered the Soldier’s body the next day and pronounced him dead. The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and local law enforcement.

Since FY17, the Army has lost an average of eight Soldiers a year to off-duty water-related mishaps. This was the fifth fatal off-duty water-related mishap of FY22 and above the number of off-duty water-related fatalities from this time last year.

Safety Tips for Hiking/Walking Near Water:
-Take your time and watch your step. Be careful and watch where you are walking, especially on slippery areas or near cliffs. Stick to dry paths and solid rock areas with good footing.

-Wear appropriate clothes and shoes. Wearing flip-flops or other footwear not appropriate for steep, rocky or loose terrain increases the chance of falling into bodies of water.

-Stay away from rapid waters and slippery slopes. Be careful and cautious when hiking near water, including waterfalls and swift or cold water. Climbing on rocks near waterfalls is extremely dangerous and can lead to a fatal fall or drowning. Do not attempt to cross streams during icy conditions, flooding, moving or white water, or any time you cannot be certain of the water depth. If you plan to cross any rivers, plan and prepare to do so safely.

-Don’t get too distracted taking photos, videos or just looking at the water. Watch your step. There will often be uneven ground, holes, bumps on rocks and stumps near the water’s edge. Tripping can cause a fall as easily as slipping.

-Be aware of the people around you, especially if there is a crowd. Other folks may not be paying attention and can accidentally push or shove their way for a better view, all the while being oblivious to your position and safety. And certainly, don't be that person oblivious to those around them.

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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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A 31-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to the Florida Army National Guard on Active-Duty Special Work (ADSW) orders died in a PMV-4 mishap 9 July 2022 in Clay County, Florida, at 2140 local. The Soldier lost control of his vehicle, which overturned after striking a tree. The Soldier was found partially ejected through the sunroof. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Clay County Fire and Rescue Department at 2153. It’s currently unknown if speed or alcohol were contributing factors to the mishap.

Since 2017, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 30th PMV-4 fatality of FY22 and below the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.


Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,142 lives in 2020.

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.

Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.

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 90.4% in 2021. 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

58% OF THOSE KILLED DURING THE NIGHTTIME IN 2020 WERE UNRESTRAINED

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.

3. Guidelines to buckle up safely
-The lap and shoulder belts 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
If you’re pregnant, make sure you know how to position your seat and wear a seat belt to maximize your safety and the safety of your unborn child. Read our recommendations below or view the instructional diagram version of our seat belt recommendations for pregnant drivers and passengers.


How Overcorrecting Leads to an Auto Accident

When a driver turns the steering wheel too hard it can cause the car to lose control. The driver then turns the over direction to correct the situation, but usually more than needed. This is known as overcorrecting. At slow speeds, this is not a problem. However, at highway speeds, a car has less tolerance for hard turns. The car is likely to spin out, rollover, or otherwise veer out of control.

An example of when a driver might overcorrect is swerving to avoid an object in the roadway such as a deer. Yanking the steering wheel hard and making the car veer off the road at high speeds leads to many car accidents.

How to Recover from Overcorrecting Before the Car Crashes
1. Firmly hold the steering wheel straight. If the ground of the shoulder of the road is soft, your car will pull to the right. Resist this pull by firmly holding onto the steering wheel while driving straight. Do not attempt to pull the vehicle to the left.
2. Take your foot off the accelerator while continuing straight. If necessary, you could also apply the brake some.
3. Slowly make your way back onto the road. Once you’ve allowed the car to slow down, ease your right wheels gently back onto the roadway. If the edge is too high, come to a complete stop before pulling back onto the road.

Tips from Parke/Gordon Personal Injury Attorneys and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
 

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