A 23-year-old Sergeant assigned to Destin, Florida, died in a PMV-2 mishap 21 July 2023 in Crestview, Florida, at 2128 local. The Soldier was traveling at a high rate of speed when a pickup truck in front of him slowed to make a left turn. He tried to pass the truck in a no-pass zone, crashed into the left corner of the truck and sustained fatal injuries. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded to the scene and contacted Eglin Air Force Base Security Forces, who then notified the commander. The Soldier was properly licensed and completed the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation training. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including the Soldier’s use of personal protective equipment, and speed and alcohol as contributing factors, are unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for FHP to release its final report.
Since FY18, the Army has lost an average of 24 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 30th PMV-2 fatality of FY23 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.
Safety tip
Safety tips for passing vehicles:
- Always ride in a position where drivers can see you in their mirror while you wait for a safe opportunity to pass.
- Before committing to passing a slow-moving vehicle, be cautious of the vehicle’s actions. The vehicle in front of you could be making your pass easier, or they could be preparing to turn into a driveway or road you haven't seen on the left.
- Signal before you start to pass and keep an eye on the vehicle you are passing to anticipate potential sources of conflict.
- Always be prepared for last-second maneuvers by other drivers, and always consider someone driving slowly as a possibility for a non-signaled, unsafe U-turn.
- Ensure you have the right to pass, i.e., in a passing zone which increases your visibility for unseen hazards such as driveways, intersections and other places where vehicles may enter or exit the road ahead.