Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A 20-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a motorcycle mishap 16 August 2026 in Dickson County, Tennessee, at 1445 local. The Soldier was on a group ride when he failed to come around a curve. Another rider noticed his absence, turned back to look for him, and found that the Soldier had run off the road and struck a tree. A rider initiated CPR until emergency medical services arrived. The Soldier was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 31 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the 19th motorcycle fatality of FY26 and below the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Negotiating Curves Safely

• Understand the Risks: A U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center study revealed that more than 70% of single-vehicle motorcycle fatalities occur on curves. Curve negotiation is the single most dangerous aspect of riding.
• Adjust Speed Early: Slow down before entering the curve, not while you are in it, to avoid losing traction or running off the road.
• Look Through the Turn: Direct your eyes where you want to go. If you look at an obstacle (like a tree or guardrail), your bike will naturally steer toward it — a phenomenon known as target fixation.

Group Riding Safety

• Maintain Spacing (Staggered Formation): Ride in a staggered formation on open, straight roads. The leader rides in the left third of the lane, with the next rider at least one second behind in the right third. This provides a buffer and keeps the group compact without compromising safety margins.
• Transition to Single-File: Instantly switch to a single-file formation on curves, access ramps or in low-visibility environments, maintaining a minimum two-second following distance.
• Keep Eyes on Your Buddies: Never ride faster than your comfort level to keep up. Ensure that riders are paired or that the lead and sweep riders monitor the group so no one gets left behind.
• Plan Separation Points: Establish predetermined stopping points before you depart. If the group gets split by traffic or lights, riders shouldn’t feel pressured to run red lights or speed to catch up.

Motorcycle Safety Resources

• U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center: The central hub for all Army safety publications, toolboxes and mishap statistics. Visit safety.army.mil.
• Motorcycle Safety Foundation: For additional riding tips, visit msf-usa.org.

Two Soldiers assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in an aviation mishap 12 August 2026 near Salado, Texas, at 1330 local. While conducting a maintenance test flight following the 250-hour post-phase inspection, the aircraft abruptly crashed into an open field, resulting in a post-mishap fire. Additional information is currently unavailable. The USACRC is conducting the investigation.

Since FY21, the Army has had an average of 10 Class A aviation flight mishaps and lost an average of eight Soldiers per year to on-duty aviation mishaps. This was the ninth Class A aviation mishap of FY26 and above the number of flight mishaps during the same time last year.

A 21-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in an automobile mishap 9 August 2026 on the installation at 0257 local. The Soldier’s pickup truck struck a curb and overturned. Local police and emergency medical services personnel responded to the scene, where the Soldier was pronounced dead. Police reported that the Soldier was traveling at an excessive speed at the time of the crash. The use of personal protective equipment, training, and the involvement of alcohol or drugs are currently unknown. Additional information is unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to automobile mishaps. This mishap was the 29th automobile fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Fatigue and Endurance Management

• Avoid High-Risk Hours: Refrain from driving between 2400 and 0600, when the body’s natural circadian rhythm demands sleep, as fatigue is a leading contributor to off-duty fatalities.
• Plan Safe Rest Cycles: Follow the principles in the Leader’s Guide to Soldier and Crew Endurance. Limit total driving time to eight to 10 hours a day and schedule a 15-minute rest stop every two hours or 100 miles.
• Utilize Travel Planning Tools: Complete a Travel Risk Planning System (TRiPS) assessment before taking leave or pass travel to evaluate route hazards and fatigue risk factors.

Speed Control and Defensive Driving

• Adjust to the Environment: Slow down immediately when driving in reduced visibility or on unfamiliar roadways.
• Control the Vehicle’s Kinetic Energy: High speeds dramatically reduce reaction times and increase the probability of a vehicle rolling over during a sudden maneuver or curb strike.
• Enforce 100% Seat Belt Use: Ensure every occupant in your vehicle is fully buckled up before putting the vehicle in gear. The seat belt is your primary defense in a rollover.

Official Soldier Safety Resources

• U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center: Your primary tactical resource for safety campaigns, driver training and mishap stats (https://safety.army.mil).
• TRiPS (Travel Risk Planning System): Use this online assessment to map your route and identify hazards before taking leave, pass or PCS travel (https://trips.safety.army.mil/).
• Army Regulation 385-10, The Army Safety and Occupational Health Program: The standard for force preservation and safety guidelines on and off duty.
• Leader’s Guide to Soldier and Crew Endurance: Guidance and tools for managing sleep cycles and avoiding fatigue during operations and travel (https://safety.army.mil/Portals/0/Documents/ON-DUTY/MILITARYOPERATIONSANDTRAINING/Standard/Leaders-Guide-for-Crew-Endurance.pdf).

A 23-year-old Private Second Class assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in an off-duty PMV Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishap 2 August 2026 in Killeen, Texas, at 0500 local. The Soldier was walking along the roadway when he was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. He was then struck by a second vehicle, whose driver stopped and rendered aid. The Soldier sustained fatal injuries. The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating the mishap. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of four Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV Pedestrian/Non-Motorist mishaps. This was the second off-duty PMV Pedestrian/Non-Motorist fatality of FY26 and below the number of off-duty PMV Pedestrian/Non-Motorist fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

• Be Predictable: Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• Walk on Sidewalks: Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• Walk Facing Traffic: If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Keep Alert: Keep alert at all times. Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
• Use Crosswalks: Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
• Cross Safely: If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely. Continue watching for traffic as you cross.
• Make Eye Contact: Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
• Be Visible: Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
• Watch for Cars: Watch out for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
• Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking. They impair your abilities and your judgment.

For more information, check out the Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation In the Spotlight Series on Pedestrian Safety: https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Home-and-Family/Off-Duty-Safety-Awareness-Presentation-2026.

A 27-year-old Sergeant assigned to the Virginia Army National Guard, Hampton, Virginia, died in an automobile mishap 1 July 2026 in York County, Virginia, at 0330 local. The Soldier, serving on active-duty special work orders and in a leave/pass status, was driving on the interstate when his vehicle ran off the road, struck a tree and overturned. His passenger, a fellow National Guard Soldier in a non-duty status, sustained a concussion. 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 28th automobile fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Fatigue Management and Late-Night Driving (The ‘No-Fail’ Rules)

• Respect the Danger Zone (2400—0600): Your body is hardwired to sleep during these hours, so avoid driving.
• Get Enough Sleep: Do not hit the road without at least eight hours of restorative sleep.
• Cap Your Drive Time: Limit yourself to a maximum of eight hours of driving per day. Your total travel time, including rest stops, must never exceed 10 hours.
• Execute Pauses: Schedule a mandatory 15-minute rest stop every two hours or 100 miles. Get out, stretch and get your blood flowing.
• Deploy the Buddy System: When traveling with other passengers, establish a rotating operator schedule. Rotate drivers every two hours on long trips.
• Recognize the Warning Signs: If you are drifting lanes, yawning or cannot remember the last mile, pull over immediately. No destination is worth your life or the life of your passenger.

Official Soldier Safety Resources

• U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center: Your primary resource for safety campaigns, driver training and mishap stats (https://safety.army.mil).
• TRiPS (Travel Risk Planning System): Use this online assessment to map your route and identify hazards before taking leave, pass or PCS travel (https://trips.safety.army.mil/).
• Army Regulation 385-10, The Army Safety and Occupational Health Program. The standard for force preservation and safety guidelines on and off duty.
• DoD Instruction 6055.04, DoD Traffic Safety Program. Establishes the driving safety standards that all service members are required to follow.