Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Drum, New York, died in a PMV-4 mishap 1 September 2021 near the installation at 0915 local. The Soldier entered the highway off ramp at a suspected accelerated speed, lost control, overcorrected, and rolled the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 0932. Seat belts are suspected to have been used since the Soldier had to be extracted from his vehicle. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were contributing factors to the mishap.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 33 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 40th PMV-4 fatality of FY21.



According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding endangers everyone on the road. In 2018, speeding killed 9,378 people. We all know the frustrations of modern life and juggling a busy schedule, but speed limits are put in place to protect all road users.

Speed affects your safety even when you are driving at the speed limit, but too fast for road conditions, such as during bad weather, when a road is under repair, or in an area at night that isn’t well lit.

What Drives Speeding?
Speeding is a type of aggressive driving behavior. Several factors have contributed to an overall rise in aggressive driving:

Traffic
Traffic congestion is one of the most frequently mentioned contributing factors to aggressive driving, such as speeding. Drivers may respond by using aggressive driving behaviors, including speeding, changing lanes frequently, or becoming angry at anyone who they believe impedes their progress.

Running Late
Some people drive aggressively because they have too much to do and are running late for work, school, their next meeting, lesson, soccer game, or other appointment.

Disregard for Others and For the Law
Most motorists rarely drive aggressively, and some never do. For others, episodes of aggressive driving are frequent, and for a small proportion of motorists, it is their usual driving behavior. Occasional episodes of aggressive driving – such as speeding and changing lanes abruptly – might occur in response to specific situations, like when the driver is late for an important appointment, but is not the driver’s normal behavior.

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A Sergeant First Class assigned to Fairbanks, Alaska, died in a sports, recreation and physical training mishap 12 August 2021 in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve at 1200 local. This mishap was unobserved and the information is based on details received. The Soldier had been missing since 12 August, but was not scheduled to return until 20 August. His last known inReach message indicated he was crossing Jacksina Creek to access a hunting area. On 16 August, National Park Service (NPS) rangers were notified by the mishap Soldier’s point of contact that he had stopped checking in as pre-arranged. On 17 August, the NPS deployed search teams, and Alaska Wildlife Troopers initiated scans of the area. Helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and ground teams searched the area. On 21 August at 1430 the Soldier was found dead alongside Jacksina Creek. Based on evidence found by searchers, it appears that the Soldier attempted to cross Jacksina Creek and was swept away by the current. His body was recovered and transported to the state medical examiner's office.

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 eighth fatal off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap of FY21.

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A Private First Class assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a PMV-4 mishap 21 August 2021 in Killeen, Texas, at 2130 local. Two Soldiers were riding as passengers in a civilian vehicle when they were struck on the side by another vehicle. One Soldier was ejected from the vehicle and his body was found near the scene of the mishap almost 24 hours later. Preliminary investigations determined the Soldier was not wearing a seat belt and alcohol was likely a factor. The other Soldier was discharged from the hospital with no injuries.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 33 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 38th PMV-4 fatalities of FY21.


AR 385-10 – The Army Safety Program

11–4. Safe motor vehicle operations
a. Occupant protection (HSPG Number 20).

(1) Occupant protective devices will be worn by all persons in or on an Army-owned motor vehicle whether on or off the installation.

(2) All personnel, to include Family members, guests, and visitors, will wear occupant protective devices at all times on an Army installation.

(3) Occupant protective devices will be worn by all Soldiers driving or riding in a PMV whether on or off the installation.


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 90.3% in 2020. Seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017.

55% of those killed during the nighttime in 2019 were unrestrained.

Of the 22,215 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019, 47% were not wearing seat belts.

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.

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.

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 clear:

1. If you buckle up in the front seat of a passenger car, you can reduce your risk of: Fatal injury by 45% (Kahane, 2015) and moderate to critical injury by 50%

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

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A Sergeant First Class assigned to Fort Knox, Kentucky, died in a PMV-2 mishap 14 August 2021 at 1815 local. The Soldier was a passenger on a motorcycle that struck a truck entering the roadway. Emergency medical services arrived and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. She was not wearing any personal protective equipment.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 27 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 22nd off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY21.


Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2019, 5,014 motorcyclists died. To keep everyone safe, we urge drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert, and we're reminding motorcyclists to make themselves visible, to use U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant motorcycle helmets, and to always ride sober.

Per vehicle miles traveled in 2019, motorcyclists were about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash, and were four times more likely to be injured. Safe motorcycling takes balance, coordination and good judgment.

If you're ever in a serious motorcycle crash, the best hope you have for protecting your brain is a helmet. Always wear a helmet that meets DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Look for the DOT symbol on the outside back of the helmet. Snell and ANSI labels located inside the helmet also show that the helmet meets the standards of those private, non-profit organizations.

Arms and legs should be completely covered when riding a motorcycle, ideally by wearing leather or heavy denim. In addition to providing protection in a crash, protective gear also helps prevent dehydration. Boots or shoes should be high enough to cover your ankles, while gloves allow for a better grip and help protect your hands in the event of a crash. Wearing brightly colored clothing with reflective material will make you more visible to other vehicle drivers.

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A Specialist assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve, Dublin, California, died in a PMV-2 mishap 24 July 2021 in Dublin at 1400 local. The Soldier’s unit was released from training at approximately 1100 to travel back to home of record, and a group of nine Soldiers went to a nearby indoor go-kart track. While waiting their turn at the track, the Soldier began operating his motorcycle at a high rate of speed when he lost control and slammed into a pillar. Emergency medical services were called and the Soldier was pronounced dead on the scene by the Alameda Fire Department at 1414. The unit was notified of the mishap at 1430 by one of the other Soldiers. The Dublin Sheriff’s Department is currently conducting an investigation.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 27 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 21st off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY21.


Motorcycle Safety Tips

While motorcycles can be a fun, quick and convenient way to travel, there are higher risks involved compared to driving cars. Due to having less impact protection, many motorcycle accidents become fatal. Should a motorcyclist get into a motorcycle crash, they are 27 times more likely to die compared to those who get into car accidents. Accidents happen, but sadly many are preventable.

Here a few simple tips to increase motorcycle safety. These tips could be the difference in preventing a fatal motorcycle accident.

1. Be aware, be focused, be alert - It is important that you eliminate as many distractions as you can when riding a motorcycle. Be mindful of your surroundings and other cars around you. A sudden stop, change in traffic speed or other obstacles could spring up at any moment. Never operate a motorcycle drunk, sleepy or sluggish. Even small distractions can lead to serious injuries.

2. Assume no car can see you - Riding a motorcycle makes you less of a viewable obstacle on the road. Many motorcyclists tend to fall within a car driver’s blind spot. Also, car drivers are subconsciously paying more attention to other cars on the road than motorcycles. Many motorcycle accidents occurred when a car driver didn’t see a motorcycle and thought a motorcycle “came out of nowhere,” even though the motorcyclist was nearby for miles. It’s best to believe that none of the other cars on the road can see you so you don’t make a poor decision based on assumption.

3. Pay attention to the wheels of the cars in front of you - One useful tip for motorcyclists is to pay attention to the wheels of the cars in front of them. Seeing where the wheel pivots will help you discern where they are going if the car decides to change lanes or make a left turn. It also lets you know what direction the car is going if it decides to back up near you.

4. Make sure your path is clear - While you’re observing the wheels of the cars in front of you, check to make sure your path is clear. Many motorcycle crashes are caused by running over fallen tree branches, rocks, potholes, oil spills or other hazards on the road. While a car could possibly run over these hazards without a problem, due to the car’s weight and four-wheel drive, a motorcycle weighs significantly less and requires more balance on two wheels. Look ahead to avoid hazardous paths or pull over to a stop at a safe place if you see such obstacles ahead.

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