A Specialist assigned to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall died in a PMV-2 mishap 13 March 2021 in Alexandria, Virginia, at 1100 local. Two Soldiers were riding their motorcycles when they swerved to avoid colliding with another vehicle traveling in the same direction. The lane they moved to was occupied by a stopped city bus. The first Soldier ran into the rear of the bus and subsequently started a vehicle fire. The second Soldier laid down his bike and avoided the bus. Both Soldiers were transported to the local hospital for further treatment. The first Soldier later died, while the second was treated for road rash and released several hours later. The initial report states that both Soldiers were wearing all appropriate PPE, licensed, and had completed all required Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses. The use of alcohol or drugs is unknown at this time.
Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 27 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 10th off-duty PMV-2 fatality of FY21 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
Create a space cushion around your vehicle.
A space cushion is a buffer around your vehicle that you maintain to allow room to maneuver, if necessary. Know what is in your space cushion, scan frequently and maintain awareness of other vehicles.
-Keep at least a three-second following distance in front of you – four or five seconds in inclement weather.
-If another vehicle is tailgating you, use your turn signal and change lanes as soon as it is safe to do so.
-If a driver near you is driving erratically or aggressively, put distance between you and the other driver.
-Avoid distractions, including mobile phones and other devices, which can divert your attention, even with hands-free functionality.
-Aim high when looking out over the handlebars at the road.
-Keep your eyes moving, meaning don't just stare at the road ahead; check mirrors and other views frequently.
-Leave yourself an out; this means anticipating what would happen if you had to swerve or slam on the brakes.