A Sergeant assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in an PMV-2 mishap 7 November 2020 at 1500 local. The Soldier lost control of his motorcycle on a highway when he was sideswiped by a van attempting to change lanes. He was declared dead at the local university hospital. The Soldier was wearing all required personal protective equipment; however, he did not complete any of the mandatory Motorcycle Safety Foundation training courses. Alcohol is not suspected as a contributing factor to the mishap.
Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 27 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the seventh off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY21 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
-Motorcycles have use of the complete traffic lane. Do not share lanes with motorcycles.
-Failure to yield the right-of-way to a motorcyclist is the most frequent driver error in collisions involving a motorcycle and another vehicle.
-Often drivers do not see motorcyclists until it is too late. This is why it is important for drivers to continually scan the roadway in front, to the rear and to the sides.
-Motorcycles accelerate, turn and stop more quickly than other vehicles. Bad weather, rough road surfaces or inexperience may cause a motorcyclist to fall. All of these are reasons why you should increase your following distance to four seconds or more when behind motorcycles.
-What will stop or prevent the occurrence of accidents is more rigorous and advanced motorcycle training.
-Training can make riders vigilant and develop presence of mind while on the road. It will also promote safe and defensive riding habits, proactive behaviors and visual alertness.
-Quality motorcycle training gives the riders an understanding and observance of road and traffic rules, as well as a healthy road disposition.
-Invest in a top-quality helmet to efficiently protect the most critical part of your body.
-More importance should be given to developing skill in motorcycle operating proficiency through training that will ensure the rider’s continued safety on the road.