A Warrant Officer assigned to Grafenwoehr, Germany, died in a PMV-4 mishap 16 May 2021 in Bavaria, Germany, at 2040 local. The Soldier was driving when he attempted to pass another vehicle, struck the center dividing barrier and was ejected. Polizei transported the Soldier to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. It is unknown who contacted the local authorities and emergency management services, but polizei notified military police. Alcohol reportedly was not a causal factor in the mishap; however, it is unknown if speed and seat belt use contributed. The safety point of contact is awaiting for the local polizei to release their report.
Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 33 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 29th PMV-4 fatality of FY21.
Driving on the autobahn has its own unique customs and rules.
Speed: On the autobahn, you can drive as fast as you feel is safe (unless otherwise marked); the German authorities recommend a "suggested" speed of 130 kph (80 mph). There is no speed limit on the autobahn, except where posted. For example, speed limits are posted in construction zones or in high-traffic areas, so watch out for these signs — you can get a hefty ticket for speeding in restricted areas on the autobahn.
Passing: You can only pass another car in the left lane. The right lane is for slower vehicles, and overtaking cars in the right lane is illegal. Unlike in the United States, this is strictly enforced.
Look carefully: Before you pull into the left lane to pass another car, make sure to check the rearview mirror carefully. Some cars travel as fast as 200 kph and approach very suddenly. If a car flashes its lights as it approaches from the rear, it means "get out of the way," and you should move to the right.
Top tips for driving Germany’s autobahns
1. Stay on the right except when passing or in heavy congestion.
2. Pay attention to the signs. It’s as easy to miss a reduced speed limit sign as it is to miss an end of speed limit sign.
3. Sundays are the best days for driving on the autobahn since most trucks aren’t allowed on the road.
4. Fridays are the heaviest traffic days, especially before holidays. Try to avoid driving around metropolitan areas between typical rush hours (0700-1000 and 1500-1800).
5. Drive like a local as much as possible. This doesn’t just mean to drive fast and very close to the car in front of you. It means paying close attention to the road and other vehicles. This is what the locals are doing.
6. Don’t allow distractions like texts, phone calls, fiddling with gadgets (GPS, DVD, radio, etc.) while driving at speed. A half a second covers way more ground at 200 kph than at 100 kph.
7. Don’t stay in the left lane any longer than you need to pass slower traffic.
8. If someone flashes their high beams at you from behind, don’t get upset. Just finish passing and move over to the right when done and clear the lane for them.