A 20-year-old Specialist assigned to Vilseck, Germany, died in a PMV-4 mishap 30 June 2023 at 1955 local. A group of Soldiers was traveling in a vehicle when the driver ran off the road and struck a tree. The German polizei responded and pronounced the rear passenger dead at the scene. The driver and front passenger were wearing seat belts; however, it is currently unknown if the rear passenger was wearing a seat belt. Speed reportedly was a contributing factor in this mishap. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the German polizei to release its final report.
Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 24th PMV-4 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.
Safety tip
Speeding awareness.
For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. Speeding is more than just breaking the law. The consequences are far-ranging:
- Greater potential for loss of vehicle control
- Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment
- Decreased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger
- Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries
Safety driving tips
- Give yourself more time: You can start by leaving a few minutes early, that might mean you have to wake up a little earlier as well. Always take into consideration how long the drive from point A to point B, factoring in time if the time of day will have more traffic.
- Note speed limits wherever you drive: It’s all too easy to go with what feels comfortable and not worry about what the speed limit sign says. But speed limits are set with safety in mind, factoring safety and road conditions. Make sure you’re paying attention to and following speed limits.
- Identify triggers: Speeding doesn’t always happen when you’re running late. Stress and anger could be triggers as well. Learning your personal triggers can help you learn how to stop speeding all together.
- Check your speedometer: Might seem silly but just like any other mechanical or electronic component, your vehicles speedometer can get out of alignment. If you find yourself passing other vehicles often, yet your speedometer says you’re going the speed limit, you might want to go to auto repair shop to have your mechanic look at your speedometer.
- Use the cruise control: This is the easiest way to prevent speeding! You can easily set the pace you want based on the current traffic and speed limit for the road you’re on. *Be sure to cancel the cruise control if you find yourself in a high-risk area like active construction zone and never use cruise control in wet or icy weather.
- Check your tires: You will wear your tires out quicker by driving fast often. Bald tires or those with low air could cause tire blowouts when driving.
- Use calming exercises: If you find that one of your triggers to speeding is stress or anger, calming exercise like breathing routines could help reduce these feelings – and your speed. You may have to experiment with different methods to take your mind off your stress or anger, such as listening to calming music or breathing exercises.
- Try technology aka cell phone: No, I do not mean use your cell phone while driving, however, some apps can be used safely and help you drive slower. Most navigating apps have built-in speed monitoring when you set a route. The app will notify you when you have started going too fast.
- Know the cost: If you haven’t had a speeding ticket yet, you will. Research the speeding laws in your local area and state. You might be surprised the financial cost of just one speeding ticket. Too many tickets could also lead to a suspended license. Not only does speeding cost you with legal fees, but you will also likely pay more at the pump if you regularly speed. Going faster uses more gas. A couple extra bucks that pump today might not seem like much, but it does add up.
- Find adrenaline rushes elsewhere: If you are an adrenaline junkie, you might feel like you need to drive fast for the thrill. Rather than making public roads less safe, consider moving your need for speed to another activity.
- Don’t keep up with speeders: Even if you’re obeying the speed limit, others may not. Resist the temptation to keep up with them and avoid letting them influence your driving habits to get you to go faster. Simply let them go around.
- Don’t keep up with speeders: Even if you’re obeying the speed limit, others may not. Resist the temptation to keep up with them and avoid letting them influence your driving habits to get you to go faster. Simply let them go around.
- Always stay aware of the situation: If traffic is slowing down ahead of you, there’s probably a good reason. You should slow down, too, avoiding any hazards up ahead.
- Don’t be intimidated by tailgaters: Some speeders will even ride your tail in an attempt to intimidate other drivers into driving faster. Don’t let this happen. Keep a safe speed and allow speeding tailgaters to go around you or move over to a right lane so they can easily pass you on the left.
- Stop speeding before it stops you.