A 43-year-old Master Sergeant assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, died in an automobile mishap in San Antonio, Texas, at local. The Soldier was a passenger in a vehicle that veered off the roadway and overturned. The San Antonio police and fire departments responded to the scene and found that the Soldier was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police reported that the civilian driver was allegedly driving at a high rate of speed and showed signs of intoxication. Additional information is currently unavailable.
Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 25th automobile fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.
Safety Tips
- Impaired Driving / Riding: Plan ahead and establish a battle buddy plan. Never get into a vehicle if you suspect the driver is under the influence. Utilize rideshare services, designated drivers, public transportation or call unit leadership.
- Failure to Wear Occupant Restraints: Enforce 100% seat belt compliance. Modern vehicles are engineered with "safety cages" designed to protect passengers during a rollover, but they only work if you are restrained inside the vehicle. Ensure every occupant clicks their seat belt before the vehicle is put in gear.
- High Speed and Reckless Driving: Speed kills. Drivers must adhere to posted speed limits and adjust speed downward for nighttime driving or wet conditions.
- Passenger Responsibility and Co-Piloting: Speak up. As a passenger, you have a right and a duty to speak up if the driver is speeding, driving recklessly or distracted. If the driver refuses to slow down or drive safely, demand that they pull over in a safe location so you can exit the vehicle.