A 24-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in an on-duty government motor vehicle (GMV) mishap 21 July 2023 on the installation at 0935 local. A five-vehicle logistics convoy, consisting of a Load Handling System (LHS) followed by four Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs), was traveling southbound on Route GREEN toward the Fort Bliss cantonment area. The convoy commander, riding in the LHS, noticed a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle parked on the northbound shoulder. As the lead vehicle in the convoy stopped to render assistance, vehicle 3 (LMTV) impacted the rear of vehicle 2 (LMTV). The impact pinned a Soldier in the passenger compartment of vehicle 3. Soldiers at the scene immediately called emergency medical services (EMS). Upon EMS arrival, the Soldier was pronounced dead. A Centralized Accident Investigation team from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is currently leading the investigation into the mishap.
Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of nine Soldiers a year to on-duty GMV mishaps. This mishap was the third on-duty GMV fatality of FY23 and below number of fatalities for the same period last year.
Safety tip
- Conduct convoy briefs in accordance with appropriate regulations and standard operating procedures.
- Enforce the use of vehicle restraints/seat belts for all vehicle occupants.
- Establish tactical communications within convoys.
- Maintain established convoy speed and distance between vehicles.
- Establish procedures for vehicle stops and breakdowns.
- Use warning lights during periods of darkness or low visibility.
- Establish and enforce speed limits for limited visibility conditions (dust, fog, darkness, smoke, etc.).
The Joint Risk Assessment Tool is designed to assist users with creating an automated deliberate risk management worksheet (DD Form 2977) and the application of risk management https://jrat.safety.army.mil.