A 23-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a PMV-2 mishap 2 June 2023 at 2129 local. The Soldier departed a local restaurant traveling southbound when he struck a car that pulled out in front of him. Three members from the unit were with the Soldier and responded to his aid at the scene. They called local emergency medical services, who transported the Soldier to a local medical facility, where he was pronounced dead. The Soldier was state licensed with six years of riding experience. He completed the Basic RiderCourse 24 October 2021. The safety point of contact is awaiting further mishap specifics from local law enforcement, to include personal protective equipment and toxicology.
Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 20th PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and equal to the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
Safety tip
Motorcycle accidents caused by left-turning cars
The most common motorcycle accident happens when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of you. This is the single most dangerous situation for motorcyclists, accounting for 42% of all accidents involving a motorcycle and car. Usually, the turning car strikes the motorcycle when the motorcycle is:
- Going straight through an intersection
- Passing the car
- Trying to overtake the car
This type of accident is common between two regular cars as well; however, a motorcycle’s size and lack of protection make these accidents much more dangerous for riders. When a vehicle hits another vehicle while making a left-hand turn, it will most likely be found at fault for the accident. However, if the motorcyclist was breaking some law or driving in an unsafe way, then that may not be the case.
How to avoid a left-turn motorcycle crash
To avoid this accident, as is the case with most situations, you need to be able to anticipate the other driver’s next move. This is the best way to stay safe, apart from the usual defensive driving methods and wearing your protective gear. Look for indicators that someone may be about to turn in front of you. For example:
- A car is at an intersection, waiting to turn.
- There's a gap in the traffic in front of you while someone is waiting to go.
- They do a last-second “look both ways” head maneuver.
If you notice anything like this, which you should definitely be looking out for, begin to slow down. Move over to the outside lane away from the car and prepare to brake or take evasive action. Even if you cannot see a car waiting to turn, you should assume that a reasonable gap in front of you will invite another driver to pull out.
Psychologically, car drivers are not looking for motorcyclists. They have trained their brains to only look for large vehicles because that is what they're driving. Combine this with the fact that motorcyclists can be hard to see and you have a dangerous situation.
Also, try to make eye contact with the other driver. If they see you looking at them — and you see them looking at you — there is a good chance they know you are there and will not pull out. Also, check for things obstructing their view; notice which way their tires are pointing; notice if they're actively observing all traffic around them or looking down at their phone.
Tips provided by Dolman Law Group