A 29-year-old Captain assigned to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, died 23 April 2023 in a PMV-2 mishap in Charleston, South Carolina, at 1844 local. The Soldier lost control of her Honda Rebel 1100 sport bike while in the vicinity of Highway 61 and U.S. 17, near Albemarle Road. Paramedics responded to the scene and performed CPR on the Soldier. She was transported to the local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The Soldier had completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse but had not completed the Advanced RiderCourse. It is currently unknown if the Soldier was wearing personal protective equipment or under the influence of alcohol.
Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 15th PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and below the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
The Army Progressive Motorcycle Program is comprised of:
- Basic RiderCourse (BRC)
- Advanced RiderCourse (ARC)
- Sustainment
Each is designed to keep motorcycle operator training current and to sustain or enrich rider skills.
Within 12 months of completing the BRC, Soldiers must undergo a second round of training in the ARC. Sustainment training in the form of the ARC is mandatory every five years after initial completion.
For individuals who have been deployed for 180 days or longer, there is an additional requirement to attend the Motorcycle Refresher Training course. This course can be taught at the local level without a certified RiderCoach.
Motorcycle skills are perishable and need to be refreshed occasionally. Operating a motorcycle without the proper training and skills seriously increases your risk of having a mishap.
It looks easy, but it takes a great deal of practice, coordination and mental attention to ride a motorcycle and constant practice to maintain proficiency. The proper training will provide you with a clear picture of what right looks like so you can enjoy your ride.