A First Sergeant assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, died in a PMV-2 mishap 16 October 2022 in Savannah, Georgia, at 2302 local. The Soldier was involved in a single-vehicle mishap and sustained fatal injuries. He purchased the motorcycle in June, completed the Basic RiderCourse (BRC I) in July and the unit check ride in August. Initial reports indicate speed was a contributing factor. The Soldier’s use of personal protective equipment and the involvement of alcohol or drugs is currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are awaiting further documentation and updates from the Georgia State Patrol.
Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the second PMV-2 fatality of FY23.
Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2020, 5,579 motorcyclists died. To keep everyone safe, we urge drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert.
If you ride a motorcycle, you already know how much fun riding can be. You understand the exhilaration of cruising the open road and the challenge of controlling a motorcycle. But motorcycling also can be dangerous. Per vehicle miles traveled in 2020, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were four times more likely to be injured. Safe motorcycling takes balance, coordination, and good judgment.
Speeding is more prevalent in fatal crashes involving motorcycle operators than among other types of motor vehicle operators. In 2018, 31% of all motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 18% of passenger car drivers (NCSA, 2020).
According to reports, two-thirds of motorcycle accidents are due to rider error. What’s more, 70% of motorcycle accidents involve collisions with other vehicles. For these reasons, it’s essential to observe relevant motorcycle safety tips.
Safety Measures During the Ride
1. Stay Conscious of Your Surroundings on the Road
It’s important to scan your surroundings while on the road, as it enables you to identify blind spots, other motorists who are nearby, and the road ahead. It also offers you enough time to react to any danger, which you probably couldn’t have seen if you were not vigilant.
2. Practice Proper Positioning on the Road
-The correct posture for riding a motorcycle is when you sit with your back upright and the shoulders slightly tucked back and relaxed. Such a posture prevents you from launching and discomforting your neck.
-Also, you should ensure you always stick to the right lane and avoid encroaching in the lanes meant for other motorists. You should also ensure there is enough distance between you and the motorist ahead, such that you don’t follow them too closely.
3. Stay in Gear, Always!
-It’s vital to shift correctly and stay within a comfortable gear range when riding a motorcycle. In that case, don’t release the bike’s clutch lever suddenly. Instead, do it smoothly as its speed increases.
-Generally, the more comfortable you are at using the gears, the safer you become.
4. Maintain Safety Speeds
Riding at a safe speed comes with many benefits. First, it offers you ample time to react when you face a potential hazard. Secondly, it allows you to maneuver through the traffic more calmly, which improves your safety.
5. Ride According to Your Ability and Skills
While it’s tempting to try some moves with a motorcycle when a beginner, it often leads to personal injuries. So, try to avoid tricks that could cause you harm.
Instead, ride according to your ability and skill. That also means riding at a comfortable speed.
Tips provided by NHTSA and Motorcycle Safety Tips by Alex