Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Specialist assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in a PMV-2 mishap 12 March 2021 in El Paso, Texas, at 2021 local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle when he struck the back of a moving semi-tractor-trailer. First responders arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene. The Soldier was wearing all required personal protective equipment and completed the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses. It was reported that speed was a factor that contributed to the mishap. Alcohol and drug use as contributing factors is unknown at this time.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 27 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap is the 11th off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY21 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.


NHTSA considers a crash to be speeding-related if the driver was charged with a speeding-related offense or if an investigating police officer indicated that racing, driving too fast for conditions, or exceeding the posted speed limit was a contributing factor in the crash.

Never drink or speed. More than 40 percent of motorcycle riders who die in single-vehicle crashes are alcohol-impaired, and speed is at play in more than one-third of fatal crashes

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.
•Never drive while feeling drowsy or sleepy; pull over at a rest stop or other safe place to take a break and get some real rest.

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A Sergeant First Class assigned to Peachtree City, Georgia died in a PMV-4 mishap 11 March 2021 in Senoia, GA, at 2130 local. The Soldier was operating his vehicle when he left the roadway and hit the wood line. The Soldier and his eight-year-old daughter were pronounced dead at the scene by the local county coroner. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, seat belt use, or alcohol as contributing factors, are unknown at this time. The safety POC is awaiting local law enforcement to release information.

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

- 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 seat belt and ensure your passengers do the same.

Stay Alert – Avoid Distractions

Distractions are everywhere today and becoming more and more difficult to avoid. 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.

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A Staff Sergeant assigned to the United States Army National Guard, Chattanooga, Tennessee, activated under Title 10 orders for training, died in an on-duty physical training mishap 10 March 2021 in Fort Bliss, Texas, at 2100 local. The Soldier was conducting physical training in the vicinity of the unit area, he began vomiting and requested medical assistance. Later, while exiting the latrine, he fell, striking his head on a metal crossbeam. Unit medics and physician assistant administered role 1 care on scene until emergency medical services arrived. The Soldier died en route to the hospital.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of one Soldier a year to on-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishaps. This tragedy was the first fatal on-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap of FY21 and above the number of fatalities from this time last year.

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A Specialist assigned to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall died in a PMV-2 mishap 13 March 2021 in Alexandria, Virginia, at 1100 local. Two Soldiers were riding their motorcycles when they swerved to avoid colliding with another vehicle traveling in the same direction. The lane they moved to was occupied by a stopped city bus. The first Soldier ran into the rear of the bus and subsequently started a vehicle fire. The second Soldier laid down his bike and avoided the bus. Both Soldiers were transported to the local hospital for further treatment. The first Soldier later died, while the second was treated for road rash and released several hours later. The initial report states that both Soldiers were wearing all appropriate PPE, licensed, and had completed all required Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses. The use of alcohol or drugs is unknown at this time.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 27 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 10th off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY21 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
Create a space cushion around your vehicle.

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 – four or five seconds in inclement weather.
-If another vehicle is tailgating you, use your turn signal and change lanes as soon as it is safe to do so.
-If a driver near you is driving erratically or aggressively, put distance between you and the other driver.
-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; 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.

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A Specialist assigned to Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, died in a PMV-4 mishap 7 March 2021 in San Angelo, Texas, at 1628 local. The Soldier was driving when he lost control of his vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other Soldiers riding as passengers suffered non-fatal injuries and are currently hospitalized. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed and use of seat belt as contributing factors, are unknown at this time. It is suspected that drugs and alcohol were not involved. The safety POC is awaiting local law enforcement to release information.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 34 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 17th PMV-4 fatality of FY21 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.


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.


How to be a better passenger

-Share the responsibilities

Making yourself useful – whether you offer to operate the GPS system 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.

-Seat belts

Drilled into us since childhood, this one should be obvious but is worth repeating: wear your seat belt. It's the driver's legal responsibility to ensure passengers are properly belted; but if the driver doesn’t, you as a passenger can ensure everyone is wearing their seat belt.

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