Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Specialist assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, died in a privately owned weapons (POW) mishap 5 April 2021 in Manhattan, Kansas, at 1330 local. The Soldier was cleaning his POW when he unintentionally discharged a round that struck him in the upper abdomen. During transport to the local hospital, the Soldier died due to his injuries. At this time, it is unknown if alcohol was involved. The mishap is under investigation.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of four Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This tragedy was the third fatal POW fatality of FY21.

You can manage your risk with privately owned weapons if you always THINK weapons safety!

Treat every weapon as if it is loaded.
Handle every weapon with care.
Identify the target before you fire.
Never point the muzzle at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
Keep the weapon on safe and your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire.

The USACRC website contains numerous resources to address POW safety:https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Privately-Owned-Weapons

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A Private First Class assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky died in a PMV-4 mishap 10 April 2021 on the installation, at 0815 local. The Soldier lost control of his vehicle, exited the road, rolled, struck a tree, and came to rest with the roof of his vehicle against the tree. As a result of the roof striking against the tree, it crushed the Soldier. It is unknown at this point if he was wearing his seat belt or if alcohol was involved, but the survivable space inside the vehicle had been compromised.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 33 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap is the 21st PMV-4 fatality of FY21.


One of the most terrifying car accidents is a rollover. In fact, almost 10,000 people die from rollovers every year. Some vehicles, especially SUVs, have improved to help prevent the number of rollovers. Driver error still accounts for most of these. Preventing a rollover requires a driver to remain alert and drive cautiously.

Driver Safety on How to Prevent a Rollover

Tires
Keep a check on tire pressure. If your tire becomes over or under-inflated, you may be setting yourself up for a rollover. Visit your local vehicle service dealership to get this tested and/or invest in a tire gauge and check tire pressure at least once per week. Gauges only cost a few dollars and can help save your life.

Speeding Never Helped Anyone
Driving fast may seem like a good idea at a time, but the faster you drive, the less control you have over your vehicle. Something as simple as a curve or changing lanes could cause you to roll your vehicle. There is a reason a speed limit is set. This is the safe driving speed and should be obeyed.

Watch What You Haul
When hauling anything, pay careful attention to weight and how the load is positioned. The heavier your load, the slower you can respond to unexpected situations. The faster you maneuver, the more you load can shift which results in a rollover. Also, a badly positioned load could shift, no matter how careful you are. Your load should be carefully positioned to distribute weight and prevent movement as you drive.

Be Aware of Road Conditions
Pay attention to weather. Rain, snow, ice, and wind can all create road conditions perfect for a rollover. Know how the weather will be where you are driving and take the appropriate precautions. Precautions may include driving slower, taking a different route, or staying off the roads altogether. Do whatever you need to do to stay safe.

Country Roads
Take extra care when driving on country roads. There are hazards such as animals and sharp curves. Also, the speed limit is usually higher than on city roads. Taking a curve too fast or swerving to avoid an animal could very well result in a rollover. Keep your eyes open for obstacles and slow down for curves.

Never Jerk the Wheel
Swerving to avoid a car, animal, or another obstacle may make you want to jerk the steering wheel. Jerking the wheel too suddenly may cause your vehicle to roll. Also, if you run off the side of the road, gently maneuver back onto the road without panicking and jerking the steering wheel. Sudden steering changes are the cause of many rollovers and could be prevented by staying calm and in control of the vehicle. Steer firmly and as slowly as possible to avoid rollovers.

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A Specialist assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, was involved in an off-duty PMV-2 mishap 5 April 2021 in El Paso, Texas, at 0100 local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle at night at a high rate of speed when he hit a center road barrier on the road. He was ejected from his motorcycle, suffering severe injuries and transported to the local hospital for medical attention. It was reported that he was wearing a helmet. It is unknown at this time if the Soldier had completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic RiderCourse or if he was wearing full personal protective equipment. The Soldier died due to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital on 10 April 2021 at 2000 hours. The mishap is under investigation.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 27 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap is the 12th off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY21.


Motorcycle Safety Tips

Inspect Lights Prior to Trip
If you know ahead of time that you will be riding at night, it’s a good idea to inspect all of the bike’s lights prior to a trip. Knowing if there are issues with any of the lights will allow you to make repairs before hitting the road, keeping you from an accident that has the potential to cause traumatic injury. It is a good idea to make sure the headlight, taillights, and indicators are operational and not burnt out. Also, make sure that they are bright enough to let other motorists see you. Clean the lens of a headlight of any dirt, dust, or other debris that have accumulated from recent rides.

Watch for Wildlife
When riding at night, you must be extra vigilant for wildlife. It’s not that you won’t encounter wildlife during the day, but they are more active at night. Be on the lookout for deer, possums, bears, and any other wildlife that could run out in front of your motorcycle while on the road at night.

Dress for the Dark
Motorcycle riders should always dress appropriately when on their bike and this includes wearing reflective clothing. This is a habit you should get accustomed to in the daytime so that it becomes second nature if you decide to ride at night. In addition to a hi-resolution reflective vest, you should also wear your helmet, closed-toed shoes, and clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. If you don’t want to wear a vest, place hi-resolution reflective stripping on your jacket and helmet. This will help other motorists see you as they approach.

Be Aware of Other Motorists
As focused as you have to be on your own driving habits when riding a motorcycle at night, you must also focus on the other motorists around you. Other drivers might not turn off their high beams as they approach you, might not notice you in your lane, and could be driving drunk. These are all issues that you must be aware of when riding a motorcycle at night.

Be Mindful of SpeedMotorcyclists should be mindful of their speed no matter the time of day they ride, but even more so when riding at night. You should only ride as fast as you can see the road in front of you. If you can see plenty of the road ahead of you, drive at a speed you feel comfortable with, but know that hazards can appear without warning.

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A Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a pedestrian mishap 4 April 2021 in Clarksville, Tennessee, at 0230 local. The Soldier was struck by a civilian vehicle while crossing the street on North Riverside Drive in Clarksville, Tennessee. The Soldier was transported by Life Flight to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Alcohol use and other factors are unknown at this time, pending the results of the ongoing investigation.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to pedestrian/non-motorist mishaps. This mishap is the third pedestrian/non-motorist fatality of FY21.


Pedestrian Safety Tips

1. Cross streets at a corner, using traffic signals where available and crosswalks.

2. Always look left, right, and left again before crossing a street, and keep watching as you cross. Be aware that drivers have differing levels of eyesight and skill in operating motor vehicles.

3. Pedestrians should be especially careful at intersections, where drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians while turning onto another street.

Make sure you are seen:
a) Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets.
b) Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night.
c) Carry a flashlight when walking in the dark.

4. Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. If sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic on the edge of the road, as far from the travel lane as possible.

a) Walk defensively and be ready for unexpected events. Know what’s going on around you and don’t allow your vision to be blocked by clothing, hats, or items that you are carrying.
b) Watch the pedestrian signals, not the traffic signal, and follow the “WALK/DON’T WALK” lights (they’re set up to help you cross safely). Look for pedestrian push buttons for crossing protection at signalized intersections.
c) Watch out for parked vehicles. Parking lots can be as dangerous as streets.

5. Avoid alcohol and drugs as they can impair your ability to walk safely.

6. When crossing, use all of your senses and don’t use your cell phone for calls and texting.

7. Use particular caution when crossing driveways and alley entrances. Drivers may not expect you to be there or see you.

Motorists need to be vigilant of pedestrians and pedestrians need to be vigilant of motorists. Although motorists have more responsibility under the law when operating a motor vehicle on city streets, pedestrians have more at stake.

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A Sergeant assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina died in a PMV-4 mishap 3 April 2021 in Colerain, North Carolina, at 2350 local. The Soldier was traveling on I-295 near State Road1313 in an unknown direction, when he lost control of his vehicle and exited the roadway. Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and pronounced the Soldier dead. At 2350, the North Carolina Highway State Patrol (NCSHP) reported a fatal traffic accident to the Fort Bragg Law Enforcement Center Desk Sergeant, involving a Soldier within their jurisdiction. The Soldier’s unit was notified, and he was transported to the local hospital where his family identified the body. The Investigation continues by NCSHP. Alcohol is not suspected as a contributing factor. Additional specifics of the mishap, including Soldier’s use of seat belt and speed as contributing factors are unknown at this time. No further information is available at this time.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 33 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap is the 20th PMV-4 fatality of FY21.

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.

-Put down your phone. Smartphones and handheld electronic devices are a daily part of life, but they take your eyes off of the road and distract your attention.
-Don’t wear headphones. Your ears will tell you a lot about what is happening around you – be sure to use them.
-Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
-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 seatbelt and ensure your passengers do the same.

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