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Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

MEDIA Preliminary Loss Reports

About Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

PLRs are intended to be used as an engagement tool for leaders to discuss the hazards and trends impacting Soldier safety and readiness. A PLR contains only basic information, as the investigation is ongoing, but provides sufficient background to allow leaders an opportunity to communicate risk at the Soldier level.

 

PLR 25-048 – PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Automobiles

A 19-year-old Specialist assigned to the Arkansas Army National Guard, Camp Robinson, Arkansas, died in a PMV-4 mishap in Little Rock, Arkansas, at local. The Soldier was driving to his home of record from battle assembly weekend when he rear-ended a stopped tractor-trailer. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 18th PMV-4 fatality of FY25 and below the number of PMV-4 fatalities for this time last year.

Safety Tips

Drowsy driving kills, but it is preventable. Read below for three factors commonly associated with drowsy-driving crashes and pick up some helpful tips to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.

Crashes and Fatalities

Sleepiness can result in crashes any time of the day or night, but three factors are most commonly associated with drowsy-driving crashes. Drowsy-driving crashes:

  1. Occur most frequently between and , or in the late afternoon. At both times of the day, people experience dips in their circadian rhythm — the human body’s internal clock that regulates sleep.
  2. Often involve only a single driver (and no passengers) running off the road at a high rate of speed with no evidence of braking.
  3. Frequently occur on rural roads and highways.

How to Avoid Driving Drowsy

  1. Getting adequate sleep on a daily basis is the only true way to protect yourself against the risks of driving when you’re drowsy. Experts urge consumers to make it a priority to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
  2. Before the start of a long family car trip, get a good night’s sleep, or you could put your entire family and others at risk.
  3. Many teens do not get enough sleep at a stage in life when their biological need for sleep increases, which makes them vulnerable to the risk of drowsy-driving crashes, especially on longer trips. Advise your teens to delay driving until they’re well-rested.
  4. Avoid drinking any alcohol before driving. Consumption of alcohol interacts with sleepiness to increase drowsiness and impairment.
  5. Always check your prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to see if drowsiness could result from their use.
  6. If you take medications that could cause drowsiness as a side effect, use public transportation when possible.
  7. If you drive, avoid driving during the peak sleepiness periods ( – and late afternoon). If you must drive during the peak sleepiness periods, stay vigilant for signs of drowsiness, such as crossing over roadway lines or hitting a rumble strip, especially if you’re driving alone.

 

 

PLR 25-047 – PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Automobiles

A 29-year-old Private First Class assigned to U.S. Army Reserve Center, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, died in a PMV-4 mishap in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at local. The Soldier was driving his privately owned vehicle when he struck a concrete barrier at a high rate of speed. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 17th PMV-4 fatality of FY25 and below the number of PMV-4 fatalities for this same time last year.

12 Safety Tips for Driving at Night

It’s not just paranoia: Driving at night is actually more dangerous. Fatal accidents are three times more likely at night compared with the daytime, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Ironically, some kinds of light — like the glare from too-bright lights — can compound the problem. But other factors add to the challenge of driving at night. Here are 12 tips that could help reduce the risk.

  1. Be extra defensive
  2. Combat fatigue
  3. Clean up your view
  4. Avoid two-lane highways
  5. Slow down
  6. Angle your headlights correctly
  7. Use high beams when appropriate
  8. Tweak your inside lighting
  9. Look in the right direction
  10. Watch for wildlife
  11. Take care of your eyes
  12. Test and use your lights

Tips provided by NHTSA, NSC, IIHS and GEICO Living article

 

 

PLR 25-046 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles

A 20-year-old Corporal assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at local. The Soldier was operating his recently purchased motorcycle when he lost control while entering a curve and departed the roadway. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and found the Soldier unresponsive. He was transported to Cape Fear Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Soldier had completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic Rider Course. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 15th PMV-2 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Know the Common Dangers of Night Riding

  • Poor visibility
  • Road damage and debris
  • Animals
  • Drivers under the influence
  • Drowsiness
  • Weather
  • Fog

9 Tips for Safe Night Riding

  1. Avoid looking directly into headlights
  2. Avoid risky riding practices
  3. Avoid tinted visors
  4. Ensure your lights Are functioning
  5. Refrain from using substances
  6. Use high-visibility clothing and gear
  7. Use reflective tape and decals
  8. Maintain a safe driving distance
  9. Leverage other vehicles’ lights

Tips provided by Cycle Trader.

 

 

PLR 25-045 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Motorcycles
A Private First Class assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a PMV-2 mishap 2 May 2025 in Clarksville, Tennessee, at 0031 local. The Soldier was operating his motorcycle when the mishap occurred. First responders arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene. Personal protective equipment use, training, speed and alcohol or drug involvement are currently unknown. No additional information is currently available.    

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of 30 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 14th PMV-2 fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

 

Nighttime Riding Key Risks:

 

  • Reduced Visibility: Harder for others to see you, and your own vision is limited.
  • Impaired Drivers: Higher risk of encountering drunk or drugged drivers (32% of 2020 fatalities involved alcohol).
  • Animals: Increased animal activity, especially during summer/fall.
  • Drowsiness: Night riding can be tiring and impair reaction time.

 

10 Essential Safety Tips

 

  1. Be Aware: Understand the amplified dangers of nighttime riding.
  2. Check Lights: Ensure all motorcycle lights are functioning correctly.
  3. Use High Beams: When safe, utilize high beams to maximize visibility.
  4. Avoid Direct Headlight Glare: Look at the road's edge, not directly at oncoming lights.
  5. Optimize Eyewear: Use yellow-tinted, photochromic or clear visors/glasses for night riding.
  6. Clear Visor: Keep your helmet visor clean for optimal clarity.
  7. Maximize Visibility: Wear bright/reflective clothing and consider reflective tape/lights on your bike.
  8. Utilize Other Vehicles’ Lights: Scan ahead using headlights of cars in front of you.
  9. Increase Following Distance: Allow more space and time to react.
  10. Take Breaks: Combat fatigue with frequent breaks, caffeine or snacks. Watch for signs of drowsiness/highway hypnosis.

 

Important Reminders

 

  • Know Your Laws: Check state laws regarding nighttime motorcycle operation.
  • Ride Sober: Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • SEESM: Employ the Search, Evaluate, Execute and safety margin strategy.
  • Wear a Helmet: A DOT-approved helmet is crucial for safety.  

 

 

PLR 25-044 – Off-Duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Sports & Recreation

A 37-year-old assigned to Vicenza, Italy, died in and off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap in Bosnia, at local. The Soldier was hiking when he slipped and fell into a ravine.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of nine Soldiers a year to off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishaps. This was the second fatal off-duty sports, recreation and physical training mishap of FY25 and above the number of off-duty sports, recreation and physical training fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety tip

  • Use the buddy system.
  • Make an emergency plan. Before heading out, know how you will call or send for help in the unlikely event something bad happens. Remember, you may not have reliable cell service where you are hiking.
  • Drink and carry plenty of water (a minimum of one quart per person every two hours). Although stream, river and lake water may look clean, it can make you ill.
  • Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes to help prevent injury.
  • Don’t walk off-trail. Walking off-trail increases your chance of suffering an injury or getting lost.
  • Tell a responsible person back at camp or at home where you are going and when you plan on returning.
  • Never feed or touch wildlife.

For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov.

 

 
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