Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Specialist and Sergeant First Class assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in a PMV-4 mishap 18 July 2021 in El Paso, Texas, at 0345 local. A Soldier was driving his PMV with one Soldier, believed to be the front-seat passenger, and one Soldier and civilian as back seat passengers, when they were involved in a multi-vehicle mishap. The driver and front-seat passenger were pronounced dead at the scene, requiring dental forensic identification. The Soldier in the backseat was transported to the local medical center for non-fatal injuries. Their medical prognosis is favorable; however, potential for a disability cannot be determined at this time. The civilian passenger was ejected from the vehicle. There is no clear indication of what caused the mishap, which is currently being investigated by the El Paso Police Department (EPPD). The division has initiated a line-of-duty investigation, and subordinate units have executed casualty assistance procedures to notify and assist surviving family members and units/Soldiers affected by the loss. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for EPPD to release its official report. Alcohol as a contributing factor is unknown at this time, pending the medical examiner’s release of the toxicology report. Seat belt use is undetermined due to a post-crash fire.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 33 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 34th and 35th PMV-4 fatalities of FY21.


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.

Stay Alert – Avoid Distractions:
Distractions are everywhere today and becoming more and more difficult to avoid. Remember that, as a pedestrian, your eyes and ears are your best tools for keeping safe. Stay alert and watch out.

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

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A Sergeant assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia, died in a sports, recreation and physical training mishap in Lacey, Washington, 12 July 2021 at 1500 local. The Soldier was kayaking alone on Hicks Lake when the kayak overturned. An unknown person reported the Soldier’s overturned kayak to the Lacey Police Department (LPD). The LPD searched the shoreline, reviewed surveillance video and conducted a shallow-water dive, but were unsuccessful in locating the Soldier. His body was found the following day by the LPD during a deep-water search operation. Specific circumstances of the mishap, including alcohol/drugs as contributing factors and/or if other Soldiers were present, are unknown.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of 12 Soldiers a year to off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishaps. This tragedy was the seventh fatal off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap of FY21.


Water Safety Tips:

Wear a kayaking-specific life jacket at all times – No excuses! Regardless of your swimming abilities or kayaking skill level, wearing a well-fitting, properly maintained and suitable buoyancy aid could save your life.

Never drink alcohol and paddle - Alcohol is a depressant; it slows your response times, impairs decision-making and negatively affects coordination.

Always wear appropriate clothing for the conditions (and your needs) - When deciding what to wear for a kayaking trip, you must take into account the time of year, water temperature and weather conditions. Clothing should be able to provide protection from the sun, wind and other elements.

Don’t go solo - A buddy rescue is faster than a self-rescue, and there’s no such thing as a self-tow if you’re hurt

Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back - They can notify the Coast Guard or other rescue organization if you fail to check in according to the plan.

Learn basic kayaking safety skills - A class will teach the basics such as how to brace in rough water; what equipment is needed for river versus lake kayaking or ocean paddling; essential paddle techniques; and the fundamentals of how to roll a kayak.

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An Army Reserve Private First Class on active duty for training, assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, died in a PMV-4 mishap 23 July 2021 in Bourbon, Missouri, at 1654 local. The Soldier’s eastbound vehicle was struck head-on by a westbound civilian truck that crossed an interstate median after a malfunction. The Soldier’s vehicle was then struck from the rear by another civilian vehicle. The Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene along with his two passengers. It is unknown at this time if speed or alcohol were factors. This mishap is still under investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 33 Soldiers a year to off–duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 33rd PMV-4 fatality of FY21 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

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.

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

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A Sergeant assigned to Fort Meade, Maryland, died in a PMV-2 mishap 27 July 2021 in Newark, Delaware, at 1700 local. The Soldier was operating his sport bike when he hit the side of a civilian SUV crossing the highway. Local authorities responded and the Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. The Soldier was reportedly wearing personal protective equipment. He reportedly had not completed the proper Military SportBike RiderCourse (MSRC). It is unknown at this time if speed or alcohol were factors. This mishap is still under investigation by the local police department.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 27 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This preventable mishap was the 19th PMV-2 fatality of FY21 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.


Here are some important safety tips to follow when negotiating a curve

Maintain a space cushion: A space cushion is a buffer around your vehicle that you maintain to allow room to maneuver, if necessary. Know what is in your space cushion, scan frequently and maintain awareness of other vehicles.

•Keep at least a three-second following distance in front of you – make it four or five seconds in inclement weather.
•Avoid distractions, including mobile phones and other devices, which can divert your attention, even with hands-free functionality.
•Aim high when looking out over the handlebars at the road.
•Keep your eyes moving, meaning don't just stare at the road ahead; make sure to check mirrors and other views frequently.
•Leave yourself an out; this means anticipating what would happen if you had to swerve or slam on the brakes.
•Position both hands firmly but comfortably on handlebars.
•Motorcycles have use of the complete traffic lane. Do not share lanes with motorcycles.
•Failure to yield the right-of-way to a motorcyclist is the most frequent driver error in collisions involving a motorcycle and another vehicle.
•Often drivers do not see motorcyclists until it is too late. This is why it is important for drivers to continually scan the roadway in front, to the rear and to the sides.
•Motorcycles accelerate, turn and stop more quickly than other vehicles. Bad weather, rough road surfaces or inexperience may cause a motorcyclist to fall. All of these are reasons why you should increase your following distance to four seconds or more when behind motorcycles.


Advanced Training: Required per AR 385-10

Advanced motorcycle training can teach you how to better control your motorcycle. Your control, handling and abilities on the bike will improve and you’ll learn to deal better with all kinds of weather, traffic and unexpected road conditions. You’ll be able to confidently handle dangerous driving situations, understand how to better maintain your motorcycle, and have a more smooth and safe ride.

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A Specialist assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap 25 July 2021 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 0110 local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle when he was cut off by a civilian vehicle, striking the rear of the vehicle. An onsite witness called emergency medical services and the Soldier was transported to the local medical center where he was pronounced dead by the attending physician. Initially, the driver of the civilian vehicle fled the scene; however, two days later, she turned herself in and was arrested. The Soldier completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse in May 2020 and purchased the motorcycle in early June 2021. Specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed and alcohol/drugs as contributing factors, are unknown at this time. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for local law enforcement to release the final report.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 27 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 18th off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY21.


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 a little 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. At night, it is more difficult to see that patch of sand or something that falls out of a pickup truck.
•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 another driver 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.

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