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.