A Specialist assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a PMV-4 mishap 23 December 2020 in Oklaunion,
Texas, at 1630 local. The Soldier was operating his vehicle on a highway when he entered the center median and overcorrected, causing his vehicle to skid across the road. The vehicle entered a ditch and rolled several times, ejecting the Soldier. The Soldier’s wife, who was riding as passenger, was extracted and transported by emergency medical services to the local hospital with serious injuries. The Soldier was reportedly not wearing his seat belt. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed as a contributing factor, are unknown at this time. The 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
11th PMV-4 fatality of FY21.
1. Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
2. Avoid distractions while operating a vehicle.
3. Pay attention to your surroundings especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area you’re driving in.
4. Focus as far to your front as possible using peripheral vision to scan for obstacles.
5. Maintain the posted speed limit.
6. Always wear your seat belt and ensure your passengers do the same.
7. If you veer off the road, do not panic. Gradually reduce your speed, look in the direction you want to go and slowly steer back onto the roadway while watching for traffic.