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PLR 23-052 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

A 25-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in a PMV-2 mishap 25 May 2023 at 2345 local. The Soldier and his spouse were riding at night with a group of other riders when he lost control negotiating a curve at a high rate of speed. The motorcycle crashed into a concrete barrier and hit a light pole, and the Soldier and his spouse died at the scene. The Soldier was a state-licensed motorcyclist and scheduled to attend the Basic RiderCourse on 19 July 2023. At the time of the mishap, he was not wearing a helmet; however, his spouse was wearing a helmet. No other personal protective equipment can be confirmed for either person at this time. The safety point of contact is awaiting the toxicology report and official pronouncement of death for the Soldier and his spouse.

Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 18th PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and is below the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

Safety tip

Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2021, there were 5,932 motorcyclists killed — 14% of all traffic fatalities. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data show that this is the highest number of motorcyclists killed at least since 1975. To keep everyone safe, we urge drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert, and we're reminding motorcyclists to make themselves visible, to use U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant motorcycle helmets and to always ride sober.

Motorcycles in fatal crashes had the highest proportion of collisions with fixed objects (24.6%).

Drivers or motorcycle riders are alcohol-impaired when their blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) are .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher.

In 2020 motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than drivers of any other motor vehicle type (27% for motorcycles, 23% for passenger cars, 19% for light trucks, and 3% for large trucks).

Motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes at night were three times more frequently alcohol-impaired than those killed during the day in 2020.

In states without universal helmet laws, 57% of motorcyclists killed in 2020 were not wearing helmets, as compared to 11 percent in states with universal helmet laws.

Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatalities to motorcycle riders and 41% for motorcycle passengers. In other words, for every 100 motorcycle riders killed in crashes while not wearing helmets, 37 of them could have been saved had all 100 worn helmets.

In Texas, 50% of motorcyclists involved in a fatal motorcycle mishap were not wearing a helmet and 40% of the 5,579 motorcyclists killed nationwide in traffic crashes were not helmeted, based on known helmet use.

Important safety reminders for motorcyclists:
 
  • Wearing a helmet is the single most effective way to protect yourself from a head injury. Use a motorcycle helmet for every ride, and ensure your passengers also use a helmet.

  • Make sure your helmet has a valid U.S. DOT label; the label means the helmet meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards – this is also known as the FMVSS 218 standard. Novelty helmets without this label may not meet the same standard and will not provide the best protection needed in a crash.

  • Check the fit of your helmet to ensure optimal protection.

  • Wear protective gear like a sturdy jacket, pants, boots, and gloves; safety gear provide protection in case of falls or crashes and improves comfort during the ride.

  • Make yourself visible by using high-visibility colors and retro-reflective materials to maximize the ability of drivers to see you.

  • Motorcycle riding requires full attention, skill and coordination. Avoid combining riding with drinking alcohol or using other impairing drugs.

  For drivers:
 
  • Always be on the lookout for motorcyclists.

  • A motorcycle’s smaller size means it can be hidden in your vehicle’s blind spot.

  • A motorcycle’s size and narrow profile can make it difficult to judge its distance and speed. Take extra care in judging when to turn or merge.

  • Keep a safe distance from the motorcycle in front of you; motorcyclists can slow their motorcycles by downshifting instead of using their brakes. This means the brake lights won’t come on.

  • Remember that motorcyclists sometimes change positions in their lane to avoid debris on the road.

Tips provided from NHTSA — NHTSA’s Research and Program Development
 
  • In the spotlight — The 2023 Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation provides additional information to include videos, statistics and risk mitigation measures in preventing PMV-2 mishaps. Visit https://safety.army.mil/ODSAP for more information.

 

 

  • 1 June 2023
  • Author: USACRC Editor
  • Number of views: 212
  • Comments: 0
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