Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 30-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, died in a PMV-4 mishap 12 March 2022 in Eastover, South Carolina, at 2230 local. The Soldier reportedly rear-ended a civilian pickup truck at a high rate of speed, causing his vehicle to flip into the median. The Soldier sustained fatal injuries. The pickup truck ran off the left side of the road into the median. It is unknown who notified 911. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including the Soldier’s use of a seat belt and the involvement of alcohol or drugs, are also unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the South Carolina Highway Patrol to release its final report.

Since 2017, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 10th PMV-4 fatality of FY22 and below the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

Speeding endangers everyone on the road.In 2019, speeding killed 9,478 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.
For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. In 2019, speeding was a contributing factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities.

Speeding and alcohol impairment often coincide; this varies with driver age. While 25% of speeding drivers under age 21 involved in fatal crashes are alcohol impaired (BAC = 0.08+ g/dL), over 40% in the 21 to 44 age groups are impaired. The percent of alcohol-impaired drivers falls sharply to 32% among 55- to 64-year-old drivers and continues to decline as the driver age increases.
In 2019, almost 3 in 4 (74%) of speeding drivers involved in fatal crashes between midnight and 3 a.m. were alcohol-impaired (BAC of .08 g/dL or higher) compared to 43%of non-speeding drivers.

 

A 30-year-old Captain assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a PMV-4 mishap 11 March 2022 in South Bend, Indiana, at 2115 local. The Soldier was operating his vehicle when another vehicle, traveling at a high rate of speed, crossed the centerline and struck him head on. The Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. Local law enforcement confirmed there was no alcohol involvement by the Soldier. It is unknown who notified 911. The Soldier's use of a seat belt is also unknown. This mishap is currently being investigated by the Benton County Sheriff’s Department.

Since 2017, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the ninth PMV-4 fatality of FY22.

 

A 27-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Tampa, Florida, died in a PMV-2 mishap 22 February 2022 in Winter Park, Florida, at 1530 local. Initial witness reports indicate the Soldier was traveling east when he swerved into the left turn lane to avoid stopped traffic. He then turned back into the through lane, lost control, hit a curb and drove into a restaurant parking lot. Florida State Troopers reported that the motorcycle struck the side of the building, ejecting the Soldier through the restaurant’s window, resulting in his fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the local hospital. The Soldier was wearing the required personal protective equipment and completed the mandatory Motorcycle Safety Foundation training. Alcohol or drugs as contributing factors are unknown. The safety/unit points of contact are waiting for the Florida Highway Patrol 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 11th off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY22.

In heavy traffic, slow down to allow for vehicles forced to make quick stops, leaving yourself plenty of room to maneuver. In general, assume drivers can't see you and act accordingly. Pay close attention to the vehicles around you, especially if you notice a driver isn't paying attention. Leave plenty of room (at least one car length) between you and the vehicle in front, giving you time to react if the driver brakes suddenly. Be on the lookout for other vehicles that may change lanes and veer into your path, and always signal and look behind you before changing lanes yourself.
The important thing is to leave yourself enough room to maneuver if something does go wrong.

When riding in heavy traffic, many motorcyclists prefer to ride in the far-left lane, leaving themselves one unobstructed side. Leave yourself enough room to maneuver if something does go wrong. Remember, if a car hits you, you are more likely to be injured than the driver, so it pays to err on the side of caution.
Splitting lanes (moving between vehicles in the space between lanes) is illegal in most states. Some studies suggest that lane-splitting in heavy traffic can reduce a rider's risk of being struck by another vehicle, particularly from behind when traffic is congested. Only split lanes if it is legal and be aware that this maneuver can sometimes aggravate drivers.