Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Staff Sergeant assigned to Quincy, Florida, died in a PMV-4 mishap 14 November 2020 in Live Oak, Florida, at 1900 local. A Soldier was driving his private motor vehicle with two other Soldiers as passengers, returning to home station from IDT weapons qualification. According to the Florida Highway Patrol lead investigator, the Soldiers' vehicle was rear-ended by a drunk driver, resulting in both vehicles going off the road. One Soldier was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The Soldier driving was flown to a local health center, where he is listed in critical condition. The other Soldier was transported to a local health center in stable condition with a contusion on his lung, then transported to the university medical center for further evaluation and treatment. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, seat belt use, and alcohol and drugs as a contributing factor, are unknown at this time. The Florida Highway Patrol and Florida 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 seventh PMV-4 fatality of FY21.

1. Always wear your seat belt and ensure your passengers do the same.
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.
5. Focus as far to your front as possible using peripheral vision to scan for obstacles.
6. Maintain the posted speed limit.
7. Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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A Sergeant assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a PMV-4 mishap 13 November 2020 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 2230 local. The Soldier was operating his vehicle with another Soldier riding as a passenger when he ran off of the road and struck a tree. The Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene, while the passenger was transported to the local hospital with non-fatal injuries and is currently awaiting surgery. The hospitalized Soldier has a favorable prognosis; however, physicians assess the Soldier will lose their right eye. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, use of seat belts, and alcohol and drugs as contributing factors are unknown at this time.

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

Speeding is more than just breaking the law. The consequences are far-ranging:
1. Greater potential for loss of vehicle control;
2. Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment;
3. Increased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger;
4. Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries;
5. Economic implications of a speed-related crash; and increased fuel consumption/cost.

How to be a better passenger:

-Share the responsibilities
Making yourself useful – whether you offer to operate the GPS or act as another set of eyes for the driver – can help avoid any accidents that would have happened due to distraction or driver fatigue. Keeping watch for any diversions and reading road signs will also help the driver to focus on the task at hand.

-Banish backseat driving
Keeping a watchful eye for things the driver might miss is helpful; criticizing every move the driver makes could be harmful. If the driver gets frustrated or annoyed, the likelihood is they’ll pay less attention to the road, which could lead to an easily avoidable accident.

-Seat belts
Drilled into us since childhood, this one should be obvious but is worth repeating: wear your seat belt. It's the driver's legal responsibility to make sure passengers are properly belted.

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A Sergeant First Class assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a GMV mishap 9 November 2020 on the installation at 1101 local. The Soldier was riding her motorcycle when she collided with a HMMWV occupied by three Soldiers. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The Soldiers in the HMMWV were taken to a local medical center for non-fatal injuries. The deceased Soldier completed all required Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses. The use of personal protective equipment is unknown at this time. Fort Bragg law enforcement personnel are reconstructing the scene to determine the cause and any contributing factors that may have led to the accident.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 12 Soldiers a year to GMV mishaps. This mishap is the first GMV fatality of FY21 and below the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

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A Specialist assigned to Whiteman Armory, Missouri, died in a PMV-2 mishap 6 November 2020 in Springfield, Missouri, at 0330 local. At this time, it is unknown if the Soldier was the operator or passenger. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, use of personal protective equipment, completion of required Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses, and alcohol or drugs as contributing factors are currently unknown. The safety point of contact is waiting for local authorities to release additional information.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 27 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap is the sixth off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY21 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

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A Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a PMV-4 mishap 6 November 2020 in Fountain, Colorado, at 1600 local. The Soldier was driving his private motor vehicle with a Soldier as a passenger when he lost control and collided with three other vehicles, causing his vehicle to roll several times before coming to a stop in the southbound lane. Company leadership arrived at the scene, where the local police confirmed the Soldier’s death. The passenger suffered a broken back and ribs. Alcohol use is not a contributing factor at this time and both Soldiers were reportedly wearing seat belts. This 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 second off-duty PMV-4 fatality of FY21.

How to be a better passenger:

-Share the responsibilities
Making yourself useful – whether you offer to operate the GPS or act as another set of eyes for the driver – can help avoid any accidents that would have happened due to distraction or driver fatigue. Keeping watch for any diversions and reading road signs will also help the driver to focus on the task at hand.

-Banish backseat driving
Keeping a watchful eye for things the driver might miss is helpful; criticizing every move the driver makes could be harmful. If the driver gets frustrated or annoyed, the likelihood is they’ll pay less attention to the road, which could lead to an easily avoidable accident.

-Seat belts
Drilled into us since childhood, this one should be obvious but is worth repeating: wear your seat belt. It's the driver's legal responsibility to make sure passengers are properly belted.

Speeding is more than just breaking the law. The consequences are far-ranging:
1. Greater potential for loss of vehicle control;
2. Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment;
3. Increased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger;
4. Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries;
5. Economic implications of a speed-related crash; and increased fuel consumption/cost.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF