A 29-year-old Soldier assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a PMV-2 mishap in Joelton, Tennessee, at local. The Soldier was traveling east when he crested a hilltop and collided with an Isuzu pickup truck traveling west. The pickup truck was turning left into a driveway, crossing into the Soldier’s path. The local police responded to the scene. The Soldier’s use of personal protective equipment, current license, completion of the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation training, and involvement of alcohol or speed are currently unknown.
Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 30th PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.
Safety tip
Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents & How to Avoid Them
If you ride a motorcycle, statistics show that you’re at a greater risk of being seriously injured or dying in a crash than driving in a car.
However, there are a number of ways you can protect yourself and prevent yourself from being involved in a motorcycle accident in the first place.
Cars Turning Left in Front of a Motorcycle
Left-turn accidents at intersections are one of the most common causes of crashes between motorcycles and cars.
Left turn crashes can occur when:
- A car makes an unprotected left when a motorcycle has the right-of-way going straight.
- A motorcycle tries to pass a car on the left that is making a left turn.
Either of these can result from a combination of distractions, poor judgement or lack of visibility.
How to Avoid It
The best way to avoid being involved in an accident with a car turning left is to look for the hazard and avoid it.
When you approach an intersection, assume that the cars are going to make it dangerous for you. Look for clues that a car might be turning left.
Slow down, spot your exit routes and be prepared to stop if necessary.
Panic Stops & Skids
Panic stops or emergency stops in which you stop too quickly because of an unexpected hazard can cause you to lose control of your bike and go into a skid.
How to Avoid It
First, you’ll need to be able to recognize and prioritize potential hazards before they become an immediate problem. Look for safer paths and exit routes so you can avoid panic stopping in the first place.
Next, you’ll need to be good a using your brakes.
Use the front brake lever and rear brake pedal at the same time. Spend some time practicing your stopping distance and control in an empty parking lot until you’re a pro.
Tips for other Motorists
Nobody ever wants to be involved in a crash, and it’s every driver’s responsibility to be safe and respectful on the road.
Automobile drivers can help prevent accidents with motorcycles by:
- Making a conscious effort to spot motorcyclists when they drive.
- Double checking for motorcycles before making turns and changing lanes.
- Giving motorcycles the full lane.
- Keeping a safe following distance behind a motorcycle rider.
Tips provided by Motorcyclezombie.com and RideApart.com