Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 21-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a PMV-4 mishap 15 April 2023 in Vermillion, Ohio, at 0319 local. Soldier No. 1 (driver) was driving with Soldier No. 2 (passenger) when he failed to navigate a curve, resulting in the vehicle crossing the divider, striking a pole and crashing into a home. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) responded to the scene., and both Soldiers were transported to the local hospital. Soldier No. 1 was pronounced dead upon arrival, while Soldier No. 2 is currently in critical condition on a ventilator. Soldier No. 1 was not wearing his seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. The OSHP suspect speed and alcohol were contributing factors to this mishap. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for OSHP to release its final report.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 15th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. Many Americans understand the lifesaving value of the seat belt – the national use rate was at 91.6% in 2022. Seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017. Understand the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt and learn what you can do to make sure you and your family are properly buckled up every time.

The Top 5 Things You Should Know About Buckling Up

1. Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash

Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle; being completely ejected from a vehicle is almost always deadly.

2. Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them

If you don’t wear your seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag. Such force could injure or even kill you. Learn about air bag safety.

3. Guidelines to buckle up safely

• The lap belt and shoulder belt are secured across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body.
• Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck.
• The lap belt rests across your hips, not your stomach.
• Never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.

4. Fit matters

• Before you buy a new car, check to see that its seat belts are a good fit for you.
• Ask your dealer about seat belt adjusters, which can help you get the best fit.
• If you need a roomier belt, contact your vehicle manufacturer to obtain seat belt extenders.
• If you drive an older or classic car with lap belts only, check with your vehicle manufacturer about how to retrofit your car with today’s safer lap/shoulder belts.

5. Seat belt safety for children and pregnant women

Find out when your child is ready to use an adult seat belt and learn about seat belt safety when you’re pregnant.

Tips from NHTSA

 

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A 22-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, died in a PMV-4 mishap 15 April 2023 in Oakwood, Oklahoma, at 1530 local. The Soldier was traveling southbound when a civilian vehicle crossed the centerline and collided with his vehicle. Initial reports indicate the civilian driver may have fallen asleep. Currently, there is no indication that drugs or alcohol contributed to the mishap. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) responded and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting the OHP to release its final report.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 14th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Head-on motor vehicle collisions are deadly. In 2019, they were responsible for nearly 30% of the 16,700 U.S. roadway deaths that resulted from crashes with other vehicles, according to the National Safety Council (NSC).

You can help prevent a potential head-on collision before it occurs. The NSC has developed a lifesaving method for drivers to use – the four R’s.

• Read the road ahead. Scan ahead to the top of the next hill, curve or intersection to recognize hazards. This will help you see and react faster if an oncoming vehicle crosses the centerline. Also, check the shoulder of the road to see if you’ve got room to pull over. Watch the space between the left-front tire of any approaching vehicle and the centerline. If the spacing is becoming smaller, that vehicle may be about to stray into your lane.


• Drive to the right. Drive slightly to the right of center of your lane to create an extra space between you and other vehicles. On multi-lane roadways, leave one lane to the left open. When facing a head-on collision, drive onto the right shoulder. Never swerve into the left lane. If the other driver instinctively pulls their vehicle back into the proper lane, you’ll have a collision in that lane.


• Reduce your speed. If you see a hazard ahead, immediately reduce your speed. This gives you extra time and gives the oncoming driver time to recover and move back into the correct lane. Don’t slam on the brakes or swerve. And never stop your vehicle. If you stop completely, you may be struck from behind – and potentially be pushed forward into the oncoming vehicle.


• Ride off the road. If you must choose between a head-on collision and riding onto the shoulder, your chances of survival are much better on the shoulder. If you must hit something, steer your vehicle to hit the object with a glancing blow rather than head-on. Every inch off center reduces the impact of the collision – and increases your chance for survival.
  
  Tips from NSC Safety + Health
  
   

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A 22-year-old Specialist assigned to the Army National Guard, Anderson, South Carolina, activated under Title 10 orders in support of the Joint Task Force – National Capital Region mission, died 18 February 2023 as a result of a PMV-4 mishap that occurred two days prior at 2203 local. The Soldier brought his vehicle to a full stop on I-85 due to construction and was rear-ended by a civilian truck and trailer. The impact pushed his vehicle forward into two more civilian vehicles. The Soldier was immediately transported to a local hospital, arriving in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries two days later. The civilian truck was reportedly traveling approximately 60-65 mph at the time of the collision. The three civilians sustained minor injuries. The unit/safety points of contact are awaiting the South Carolina Highway Patrol to release its final report.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 13th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

 

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A 19-year-old Private assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia, died in a PMV-4 mishap 25 December 2022 near Warrington, Florida, at 0100 local. The Soldier was reportedly riding as a passenger in a vehicle involved in a two-vehicle mishap. A Honda sedan failed to maintain control and crossed the centerline, striking a Ford SUV head-on as it was approaching. The Soldier sustained fatal injuries. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, the Soldier’s use of a seat belt, and the involvement of alcohol or drugs as contributing factors, are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the Florida Highway Patrol to release its final report.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 12th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
 

 

A 57-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to the U.S. Army National Guard, Oskaloosa, Iowa, on Title 10 orders died in a PMV-4 mishap 8 January 2023 in Johnson County, Iowa, at 0530 local. The Soldier reportedly was on his way to work when he was involved in a multi-vehicle mishap and sustained fatal injuries. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department notified the unit of the mishap. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, the Soldier’s use of a seat belt, and the involvement of alcohol or drugs as contributing factors, are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department to release its final report.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 11th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

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