A 19-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Detrick, Maryland, died in a PMV-4 mishap 28 May 2023 at 0800 local. Two Soldiers were traveling in a vehicle that departed the road on the west side of an exit ramp. The vehicle became airborne twice, striking multiple ditches down a sharp grade before hitting a rock that caused it to land upside down submerged in a creek. The two Soldiers were extracted from the vehicle by emergency medical services personnel. One Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. The other Soldier was transported to a local hospital and is in critical condition. Both Soldiers were wearing their seat belts. The safety point of contact is awaiting more information to confirm if speed, alcohol or drugs are possible contributors.
Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 20th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.
Safety tip
Research shows that on-ramps and off-ramps are some of the most common places crashes occur on highways, as drivers traveling at different speeds enter, exit and merge. According to one study published in the Journal of Safety Research, interstate exit and entrance ramps are the most common site of highway crashes per mile driven.
Follow these common-sense tips to reduce your chance of being hurt in a highway merging accident:
- If possible, move over when other cars are trying to merge.
- Adjust your speed appropriately when another driver is trying to merge.
- Do not try to speed past a truck that is merging.
- Do not slam on your brakes or swerve if you miss an off-ramp.
- Be wary of other drivers behaving dangerously near on-ramps and off-ramps.
- Stay out of a semi-truck’s blind spots when approaching an on-ramp.
- Do not speed when exiting or entering a highway, especially on loop ramps.
- Follow posted speed limits and warning signs when traveling through work zones.
There was an 18.4% increase in the number of Americans who died in motor vehicle crashes in the first half of 2021, compared to the first half of 2020, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals — highlighting the need for safe and responsible driving. Freeway driving can be challenging for anyone as it involves merging into high-speed traffic and typically maintaining speeds of 65 mph or over, as well as dealing with large, fast-moving commercial trucks. Fortunately, by learning the proper freeway driving rules and best practices, you can avoid accidents and stay safe on the road.
Enter and exit correctly
A freeway entrance ramp helps you enter the freeway and merge safely with the flow of traffic. So, when entering the freeway from the ramp, always make sure you’re driving at the same speed as the vehicles traveling in the freeway’s right-side lane — otherwise you risk causing a collision. Most entrance ramps are designed to give drivers enough time to accelerate, so they enter the freeway at the right speed. If you enter the freeway at the wrong speed, surrounding drivers may need to suddenly brake, accelerate, or change lanes to prevent hitting you — so don’t be afraid to speed up to match highway speeds when using the ramp. And, when exiting the freeway, be sure to slow down only when you reach the exit ramp and not while you’re still on the freeway (again, to avoid causing accidents). Exit ramps are designed for deceleration and typically terminate at a traffic light or stop sign.
Obey speed limits and road rules
According to the NHTSA’s Summary of State Speed Laws the basic speed rule on the highway “requires vehicle operators to drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent.” So, you may find it necessary to drive slower or faster than the speed limit in some situations and it’s not uncommon for drivers to go at least 10 mph over the limit on freeways. That said, adhering to the speed limit is best practice — particularly in commercial areas where police often establish speed traps to force drivers to slow down. In addition to obeying speed limits, freeway driving involves following other standard rules, include not tailgating use the farthest left lane only for passing; and don’t drive in another vehicle’s blind spot. Always check your blind spots on busy freeways and keep an eye out for motorcyclists. If your car breaks down, you should also switch on your hazard lights, use your turn signal, and move your car off the road (unless you’re unable to move it). Most often, emergency telephones are located on the right shoulder.
Also, be mindful of commercial trucks — they commonly travel on freeways and the number of crashes involving 18-wheelers has increased over the past few years. Accidents involving trucks often result in severe injuries due to their sheer weight and size.
Choose the right lane
It’s also key to drive in the right lane. If you’ll be traveling at slower speeds, you need to be in the right lane. Semi-trucks must often stick to the right lane by law in many states as they’re large, slow-moving vehicles. So, if the passing traffic to your right is moving quicker than you, you know you’re in the wrong lane. Alternatively, if you’ll be traveling at faster speeds, you’ll need to pick the left lane. The farthest left lane, although commonly called the “fast lane,” is for passing. If you’re in the left lane, be careful not to stay there indefinitely as there’ll always be faster drivers coming up behind you. Also, if you spot a disabled vehicle, be sure to move over a lane to give them enough room. In fact, moving over is a legal requirement in many states.
Freeway driving can be challenging for anyone, yet, with the right best practices, you can stay safe on the road. By entering and exiting correctly, obeying speed limits, and choosing the right lane, you can ensure that you arrive safely at your destination.
Tips provided by Jebaily Legal and NHTSA