A Staff Sergeant assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in a PMV-4 mishap 6 September 2020 in Lakewood, Washington, at 2200 local. The Soldier was driving his vehicle when he struck a light pole. The damage was substantial enough that emergency responders had to use a mechanical extraction device to remove him from the vehicle. The Soldier was transported to the local medical center for surgery and died the following morning. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including seat belt use, speed, and alcohol and drug involvement, are unknown at this time. The mishap is under investigation.
Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 34 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap is the 28th off-duty PMV-4 fatality of FY20 and below the number of similar fatalities during the same time period last year.
Speeding endangers everyone on the road: In 2018, speeding killed 9,378 people. We all know the frustrations of modern life and juggling a busy schedule, but speed limits are put in place to protect all road users.
Speeding endangers everyone on the road: In 2018, speeding killed 9,378 people. We all know the frustrations of modern life and juggling a busy schedule, but speed limits are put in place to protect all road users.
For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. In 2017, speeding was a contributing factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities.
Speed also affects your safety even when you are driving at the speed limit but too fast for road conditions, such as during bad weather, when a road is under repair, or in an area at night that isn’t well lit.
Speeding is more than just breaking the law. The consequences are far-ranging:
•Greater potential for loss of vehicle control
•Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment
•Increased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger
•Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries
•Economic implications of a speed-related crash
•Increased fuel consumption/cost.