Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 29-year-old Specialist assigned to Camp Humphreys, Korea, died in a PMV-4 mishap 1 November 2021 in Pyeongtaek-Si, Korea, at 2308 local. The Soldier and two family members were traveling in their vehicle when they hit a civilian tow truck driven by a local national. The frontal impact and subsequent fire resulted in major damage to both vehicles and the deaths of the Soldier and his two family members. The local national was injured and taken to a local hospital. Local national emergency medical services and Korea National Police (KNP) arrived on the scene, followed by the military police. Speed was reportedly a contributing factor; however, the involvement of alcohol or drugs is unknown at this time. Due to the vehicle fire, it could not be determined if seat belts were used. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for KNP to release their final report.

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



Here are few tips for driving in Korea:

South Korea drives on the right side of the road.

Speed limits in South Korea:

-Expressways – Varies from 100-120 km/hr
-Open roads – 80 km/hr
-City – Varies from 60-80 km/hr

Always follow posted speed limits (which can vary from these normal limits) and watch out for speed cameras, especially on motorways.

Priority/right of way – There are no clear rules regarding priority or right of way when approaching an intersection without traffic lights, so approach intersections with caution and assume the other driver wants to go first.

Children – Children under6 years old must use a car seat.

Seat belts – All passengers must wear a seat belt.


Traffic violations in Korea come with high penalties:


Traffic Violations Points System
Drivers accumulate points for traffic violations or traffic accidents. Once a certain number of points have been accumulated, the person's driving license may be canceled or suspended. For example, if a driver accumulates more than 40 penalty points for traffic violations, her/his license may be suspended. Cancellation of the license will occur if the driver has accumulated more than 121 points in one year, 201 points in 2 years or 271 points in 3 years. Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test, leaving the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended license can result in immediate cancellation of one's driving license.

Point Penalties:
- 10 points: lane-changing violation, no-passing zone violation, engaging in disputes/arguments on the road that interferes with traffic, etc.
- 15 points: signal violation (crossing on a red/amber light), use of cellphone while driving, no-passing violation, exceeding speed limit by 20-40 km/hr, bus-only lane violation, etc.
- 30 points: crossing the center divider line, exceeding speed limit by 40 km/hr, driving on highway shoulder, railroad crossing violation, etc.
- 2-15 points per injury, depending on the seriousness (based on healing/treatment time) of the injury
- 90 points: per death if the victim dies within 72 hours of the accident


Drinking and driving is a serious offense in Korea.

a. Driving while intoxicated (this means a blood alcohol level of over 0.05%) is punishable by imprisonment of up to 2 years and a fine of up to 3 million won.

b. Driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.05-0.35% is punishable by law, and those with over 0.36% are arrested and detained.

c. Anyone who has been caught drinking and driving on three previous occasions is automatically detained, regardless of the degree of intoxication.
d. Penalties:
- Drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.05% to 0.09% will have their license suspended for 100 days.
- Those found with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.10% or more than 0.05% when involved in an accident resulting in loss of life will have their license revoked.
- Drivers who refuse an alcohol level test face cancellation of their license.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A Captain assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap 25 October 2021 in Spring Lake, North Carolina, at 1625 local. The Soldier lost control of his motorcycle, crossed into the opposing lane, and collided head-on with a tractor-trailer. The Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, the Soldier’s use of personal protective equipment, completion of the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse, and the involvement of alcohol or drugs, are unknown at this time. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for local law enforcement to release their report.

Since 2017, the Army has lost an average of 25 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the first off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY22.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A Private assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia, died in an on-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap 24 October 2021 at Fort Benning, Georgia, at approximately 1930 local. The Soldier, in basic training, was participating in an individual run on the battalion track when he collapsed. Two drill sergeants assisted with medical treatment and notified emergency services. The Soldier was transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Since 2017, the Army has lost an average of one Soldier a year to on-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishaps. This is the first on-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training fatality of FY22.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A Private First Class assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a government motor vehicle (GMV) mishap 4 October 2021 at 1300 local. Five Soldiers were returning from land navigation training in an up-armored HMMWV when the vehicle abruptly turned and rolled over on a four lane hard surface road. During the rollover, the truck commander, two passengers, and the gunner were ejected. The Fort Bragg emergency medical service transported the Soldiers to a local medical center for evaluation and further treatment. The emergency room physician pronounced the gunner deceased at 1401.

Since 2016, the Army has experienced an average of 12 GMV mishaps per year. This mishap is the first GMV fatality of FY22 and below the number of similar mishaps during the same time period last year.


Per AR 385-10 Chapter 11
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.

Tips:
Stay Alert – Avoid Distractions
Distractions are everywhere today and becoming more and more difficult to avoid. Remember that, as a driver, your primary task is to operate your vehicle safely. It only takes a few seconds to get yourself and your passengers in a situation that could start a chain reaction that leads to a motor vehicle mishap. Always keep these tips in mind when driving or as a passenger.

1. Avoid distractions while operating a vehicle.
2. Always wear your seat belt and ensure your passengers do the same.
3. Your focus should be on the task of driving safely.
4. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area where you’re driving.
5. Focus as far to your front as possible using peripheral vision to scan for obstacles.
6. Maintain the posted speed limit.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A Sergeant First Class assigned to Medical Degree Preparatory University in Maryland, died in a PMV-4 mishap 26 September 2021 in Flintstone, Maryland at 1418 local. The Soldier was driving his Volkswagon Jetta while traveling eastbound on Interstate 68, east of Pleasant Valley Road. He struck the rear of a semi-tractor trailer as it was traveling in the same direction. The Soldier was pronounced deceased on scene. The passenger of the Soldier’s vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported by the State Police to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. Unknown at this time if speed or alcohol was a factor. The Maryland State Police is currently conducting the investigation.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 44th 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.

1. Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
2. Avoid distractions while operating a vehicle.
3. Your focus should be on the task of driving safely.
4. Pay attention to your surroundings especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area you’re driving in.
5. Focus as far to your front as possible using peripheral vision to scan for obstacles.
6. Maintain the posted speed limit.
7. Always wear your seat belt and ensure your passengers do the same.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF