Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

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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A Soldier assigned to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, died in an ATV mishap 3 April 2021, in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Soldier was involved in a side-by-side ATV mishap and sustained injuries serious enough to warrant an emergency life flight. The specifics of the mishap, including Soldier’s use of personal protective equipment, alcohol or drugs, and speed as contributing factors are unknown at this time. The Soldier was evacuated to the local hospital, where doctors attempted to stabilize him well enough for a life flight to Richmond, Virginia. The chain of command was notified and between the hours of 0027 and 0047, the Soldier died. The safety point of contact is waiting for local law enforcement to release their report.

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


All Terrain and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROHV) Safety Rules

-Always fasten your seat belt, wear a helmet and other protective gear and keep all parts of your body inside the ATV/ROV.
-Avoid paved surfaces. ATV/ROVs are designed to be operated off-highway.
-Drive only in designated areas, at a safe speed, and use care when turning and crossing slopes.
-Never drive or ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
-Never drive an ATV/ROV unless you’re 16 or older and have a valid driver’s license. ATV/ROHVs are not toys.
-Never carry more passengers than the ATV/ROV is designed for, and never allow a passenger who is too small to sit in a passenger seat to ride in the ATV/ROV.
-Read and follow the operator’s manual and warning labels.
-Take a hands-on ATV/ROV Basic DriverCourseSM and the free online E-Course.

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A Specialist assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a PMV-4 mishap 27 March 2021 on the installation at 0403 local. The Soldier was driving in the wrong direction on a four-lane divided highway when she hit a vehicle operated by another Soldier. The other Soldier’s vehicle became airborne and flipped several times. The Soldier who was driving in the wrong direction was pronounced dead at the scene. The other Soldier was transported to the hospital for multiple injuries and airlifted to the local medical center for surgeries and further treatment. He is in critical but stable condition. It was reported that both Soldiers were wearing seat belts. Alcohol was suspected of being a contributing factor to the mishap. An investigation is ongoing by the local authorities in conjunction with the Fort Bragg Criminal Investigations Division. The POC is waiting for local authorities and medical personnel to release additional information.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 33 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap is the 19th PMV-4 fatality of FY21.

Plenty of people know that drinking and driving don't mix — but many still do it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 300,000 incidents of drinking and driving each day. And arrest doesn't typically mark the first time a person drives under the influence. The average drunk driver does so over 80 times before getting caught. The risks are high, but the solutions are simple.

What is drinking and driving?
States differ in what they call it — driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, drunk driving or impaired driving — but in every state, a baseline blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent is considered an offense. For those age 21 and under, zero-tolerance laws criminalize driving with very small amounts of alcohol. States may also have enhanced penalties in place for those who drive with very high BACs, minors in the vehicle or multiple convictions.

What are the consequences of drinking and driving?
When you drink and drive, you're compromising cognitive ability and responsiveness, which increases your risk for an accident. In fact, 28 people die each day because of a drunk driving crash. Get caught, and a single drinking and driving infraction may have legal, financial, personal and even professional ramifications.

- Most states suspend your license for varying lengths of time — sometimes up to a year. Multiple convictions typically equal a revocation of a license. Drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) might have their licenses suspended for a longer period.
- The employers of drivers with a CDL could also be liable for the actions of the driver. The driver’s future employment might also be impacted.
- Some states require mandatory jail time — even for a first offense — as well as fees and fines.
- You may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your car; if it detects alcohol, it will prevent you from operating the vehicle.
- A single drunk driving conviction may lead to job loss or restrictions (i.e., operating company vehicles).
- Higher insurance rates almost always accompany drunk driving convictions.
- If you were involved in an accident as a result of drunk driving, your insurance may deny payment for injury treatment.

How can you detect drunk drivers?
Law enforcement officials say there are several signs associated with drinking and driving. Keeping these in mind will help avoid a dangerous situation:

- Making wide turns
- Weaving, swerving, drifting or straddling the center line
- Almost striking an object or vehicle
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Driving at a very slow speed
- Stopping without cause
- Braking erratically
- Responding slowly to traffic signals
- Turning abruptly or illegally
- Driving after dark with headlights off

How can you stop drinking and driving?
Always make good decisions and plan ahead. Here are some solutions to avoid drunk driving:

- Always choose a non-drinking designated driver — every time you go out.
- If you go out alone, do not drink alcohol. Order a non-alcoholic beverage such as a soft drink or water.
- Never feel pressured to drink alcohol. If you do plan on drinking, do so responsibly. Eat plenty of food and drink water.
- If you've been drinking, call a taxi or car-sharing service for a ride, like Uber or Lyft.
- Never get in a car with a driver who has been drinking.
- Protect others by taking their keys if they attempt to drive after consuming alcohol. They may be mad at you, but the alternative is much worse.

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