A 23-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in a PMV-4 mishap 23 November 2024 near Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 1445 local. The Soldier was traveling on a two-lane highway when he struck a semi-truck head on. Emergency services were called, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Seat belt use, speed, alcohol or drug involvement is currently unknown.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the fourth PMV-4 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this time last year.

Safety Tip

Swerving is an incredibly dangerous behavior performed by drivers of all skill levels. Swerving is defined as an abrupt and often jarring change from one lane to another, usually without any form of warning by the offending driver beforehand.

1. Active lane awareness: Regularly check your position within the lane by glancing at the lane markings, not just relying on the car in front of you. While you should focus primarily on the road ahead, occasional glances at the side and rear mirrors will help you gauge your exact location on the road. Ensure your mirrors are properly adjusted before you start driving. Check them every 5-8 minutes to confirm you can see the lines on both sides of your vehicle, indicating you're centered in your lane.
2. Peripheral vision: Use your peripheral vision to monitor the edges of your lane and oncoming traffic. When you fixate on things close by, it can easily cause you to drift away from the center. Instead, look at objects on the horizon. By focusing far ahead, you can still see nearby obstacles and control your vehicle's position better.
3. Steering technique: Maintain a relaxed grip on the wheel to avoid overcorrecting and drifting. Be aware of road conditions like curves and inclines that may require slight steering adjustments to stay centered in your lane. Keep both hands on the steering wheel at the "9 and 3" position, ensuring a balanced grip and allowing for smooth adjustments.
4. Distraction management: Always minimize distractions like phone usage, loud music, or conversations to stay focused on the task of driving. Put your phone away and keep it out of reach while driving. Use a hands-free device if you need to make or answer calls. Keep your attention solely on the road while driving.
5. Appropriate speed: Adjust your speed based on road conditions and weather, ensuring you have enough time to react. Reduce speed if road and traffic conditions warrant it.
6. Road conditions: Be particularly vigilant on roads with uneven surfaces or poor visibility.
7. Signs of fatigue: Avoid driving when you are fatigued. To prevent accidents like drifting into the other lane, it is crucial to never drive when you are tired; if you start feeling drowsy behind the wheel, pull over to a safe location and rest before continuing your journey.

Tips provided by NTSI.