Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Specialist assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a PMV-4 mishap 23 December 2020 in Oklaunion,
Texas, at 1630 local. The Soldier was operating his vehicle on a highway when he entered the center median and overcorrected, causing his vehicle to skid across the road. The vehicle entered a ditch and rolled several times, ejecting the Soldier. The Soldier’s wife, who was riding as passenger, was extracted and transported by emergency medical services to the local hospital with serious injuries. The Soldier was reportedly not wearing his seat belt. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed as a contributing factor, are unknown at this time. The mishap is under investigation.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 33 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap is the
11th PMV-4 fatality of FY21.


1. Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
2. Avoid distractions while operating a vehicle.
3. Pay attention to your surroundings especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area you’re driving in.
4. Focus as far to your front as possible using peripheral vision to scan for obstacles.
5. Maintain the posted speed limit.
6. Always wear your seat belt and ensure your passengers do the same.
7. If you veer off the road, do not panic. Gradually reduce your speed, look in the direction you want to go and slowly steer back onto the roadway while watching for traffic.

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A Specialist assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a PMV-4 mishap 18 December 2020 in Georgetown, Texas, at 0500 local. The Soldier was operating his vehicle on the highway when he was hit head on by a civilian driving on the wrong side of the road. The collision caused the Soldier's vehicle to rollover causing him to sustain injuries to his head and left leg. Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and extracted the Soldier from the vehicle. According to authorities on the scene, alcohol was suspected on the part of the civilian driver. The Soldier was transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced dead by the local Justice of the Peace.

The Soldier was reportedly wearing his seatbelt. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed and alcohol as a contributing factor on the Soldier’s part, are unknown at this time. The mishap is under investigation.

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

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A Specialist assigned to the Nevada Army National Guard died in a PMV-4 mishap 14 December 2020 in Reno, Nevada, at 0735 local. The Soldier was on active duty, attending a five-day training course. While en route to the first day of training, his vehicle was involved in a mishap with a school bus. The Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene by the local police. He was reportedly wearing his seat belt. Specific circumstances are unknown at this time; however, there were reports of black ice conditions at the time of the mishap. The Reno Police Department and Nevada Army National Guard State Safety Office are conducting an ongoing investigation.
Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 33 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap is the ninth PMV-4 fatality of FY21.

Stay Alert – Avoid Distractions

Distractions are everywhere today and becoming more and more difficult to avoid. Remember that your eyes and ears are your best tools for keeping safe. Stay alert and watch out.

-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.
-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.

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A Specialist (91B10, Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic) assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in an industrial/occupational mishap 8 December 2020 in the unit motor pool at 1040 local. The mechanic was exchanging the bottle of an Automatic Fire Extinguishing System (AFES) in an M1151 Up-Armored HMMWV. Upon removal of the AFES bottle from the mount, the AFES bottle discharged and struck the mechanic in the head resulting in fatal injuries.

This was the first industrial/occupational fatality of FY21.

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A Private First Class assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap 24 November 2020 on the installation. The Soldier was operating his dirt bike with his friend near the Fort Bragg training area. The friend left about 1430, while the Soldier continued riding. He was traveling east on a dirt road when he struck a tree. At approximately 2340, members of the Soldier’s platoon discovered his dirt bike. A special agent with the Criminal Investigation Division notified the platoon that a body was recovered and they were awaiting confirmation that it was the Soldier. The following morning, the Soldier’s battalion and company commander identified his body. This investigation is currently ongoing. Alcohol use is not suspected in the incident. Personal protective equipment was worn, but completion of the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses is unknown at this time.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 13 Soldiers a year to Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishaps. This mishap is the second off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training fatality of FY21 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.


If you are planning to operate any off-road type of disciplines or simply trail riding with others, be sure to stay on well-marked and frequently used trails to prevent any occurrences with fencing and avoid unforeseen surprises such as holes, abandoned mines, well pipes, debris, ditches or drop offs, all of which could be disastrous if encountered suddenly at speed.

Dirt Bike Riding Tips:

-Always wear a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves.
-Except for dual-purpose models, never ride on paved surfaces except to cross when done safely and permitted by law; another vehicle could hit you. Dirt bikes are designed to be operated off-highway.
-Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
-Supervise riders younger than 16; dirt bikes are not toys.
-Never permit youngsters to ride dirt bikes that are too tall or too powerful for their capabilities.
-Don’t ride alone on remote trails. Use the buddy system.
-Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
-Take a hands-on riding course.

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