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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 24-054 - Combat Skills/Military Unique Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Other

A 23-year-old First Lieutenant assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a combat skills/military unique mishap at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Johnson, Louisiana, at local. While conducting defensive operations in an urban training environment, the Soldier fell approximately 43 feet from the roof to the basement in a simulated elevator shaft located in a training structure. Medical personnel pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is leading an investigation into the mishap.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of four Soldiers a year to combat skills/military unique mishaps. This mishap was the first combat skills/military unique fatality of FY24

 

 

PLR 24-053 - Privately Owned Weapons Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Privately Owned Weapons

A 24-year-old First Lieutenant assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in a privately owned weapons (POW) mishap in El Paso, Texas, at local. The Soldier was drinking at a friend’s house when he accidentally shot himself in the right cheek with his friend’s pistol. He was transported to the local hospital and pronounced dead upon arrival.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of three Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This tragedy was the first POW fatality of FY24.

Safety tip

  1. Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.
    This is the most important of all the safety rules. By treating all weapons as though they were loaded, mishaps can be avoided. “I didn’t know the gun was loaded” is the poorest excuse for carelessness.
  2. Don’t trust the safety mechanisms.
    Although these devices are designed to mechanically prevent a weapon from firing, they are mechanical and subject to wear. Always keep the safety “ON” when not shooting, but remember it is not a 100 percent guarantee against the weapon firing.
  3. Always make sure a weapon is cleared before handling or cleaning.
    Because it is impossible to determine whether a weapon is loaded just by looking at it, never assume or take another’s word that it is empty - MAKE SURE! It only takes a second to check, and the time spent may save a life. Whenever you pick up a firearm, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and if the weapon has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s), which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the firearm alone and get help from someone who does.
  4. Unload weapons when not in use.
    Unloaded weapons cannot discharge even if they fall into unfamiliar hands.
  5. Always keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction.
    A safe direction means that the firearm is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. When this practice is conscientiously followed, injuries, damage, or even death may be avoided should you accidentally discharge the weapon.
  6. Point weapons only at targets you intend to shoot.
    Never point a gun at yourself or another person. Insist that others abide by this rule.
  7. Avoid horseplay.
    Firearms are deadly and must be treated with the respect they deserve. They are not toys and should not be treated as if they were.
  8. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
    When holding a firearm, rest your finger on the trigger guard until you are actually ready to fire.
  9. Be sure the firearm is safe to operate.
    Just like other tools, firearms need regular maintenance to remain operable. If there is any question concerning a firearm's ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should look at it.
  10. Know how to use the firearm safely.
    Before handling a firearm, learn how it operates. Get training and read the owner’s manual. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action, and remove any ammunition from the firearm or magazine. Remember, a firearm’s mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace safe weapons handling.

The USACRC website contains numerous resources to address privately owned weapons safety:

Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation: https://safety.army.mil/odsap

Safety Shorts: https://safety.army.mil/MEDIA/Safety-Shorts/Off-Duty/emodule/9365/eitem/14320

Alcohol and Weapons Don’t Mix poster: https://safety.army.mil/API/Evotiva-UserFiles/FileActionsServices/DownloadFile?ItemId=92317&ModuleId=9270&TabId=1236

For more information: https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Privately-Owned-Weapons

 

 

PLR 24-051 - PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-4
A 47-year-old Active Guard Reserve Sergeant First Class assigned to the Army National Guard, Hammond, Louisiana, died in a PMV-4 mishap 28 December 2023 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, at 0730 local. The Soldier was driving his vehicle to work when he lost control and impacted a guardrail. He then traveled back onto the roadway before crossing the centerline into the opposing lane, striking a Jeep head-on. The Louisiana State Police (LSP) responded and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The Soldier was properly restrained; however, it is unknown if speed was a contributing factor. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for LSP to release its final report.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 23rd fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Focus is key while driving. Distractions can cause even the most experienced drivers to make dangerous mistakes.

Secure Your Cargo

Be sure to put all of your cargo in a secure place in your car. Reaching for loose belongings is dangerous; it takes your hands off the wheel and often takes your eyes off the road. Make sure all of your belongings are firmly held in place.

Tips for Preventing Speeding
 
  • Know the Limits: Familiarize yourself with speed limits in different areas and follow them strictly.

  • Plan Ahead: Leave early to avoid rushing and the temptation to speed.

  • Use Cruise Control: Use cruise control on highways to maintain a consistent speed and avoid unintentional acceleration.

  • Stay Focused: Minimize distractions, such as texting, eating or setting your GPS, while driving to maintain focus on the road.

  • Regular Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is well maintained, including brakes and tires, to optimize safety and performance.

  • Drive Defensively: Anticipate potential hazards and adjust your speed accordingly, especially in adverse weather conditions or on unfamiliar roads.

  • The Deadly Consequences of High-Speed Driving

    One undeniable fact demonstrates the importance of following speed limits: the faster you're driving, the more likely you are to be killed in a crash. Here's why:

    Acceleration and Deceleration Forces: During a crash, the vehicle experiences rapid acceleration or deceleration, causing occupants to move forward or backward forcefully. Higher speeds result in greater forces, increasing the risk of injury.

    Inertia: Newton's First Law states that an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. In a crash, occupants continue moving at the vehicle's speed until stopped by a seat belt, air bag or other interior structure. The faster the vehicle is traveling, the greater the inertia. This leads to more severe injuries upon sudden deceleration.

    Increased Impact Forces: As speed increases, so does the force of impact in a collision. The energy involved in a crash grows exponentially with speed. This means that even small increases in speed can dramatically impact the severity of injuries to occupants.

    Reduced Reaction Time: Higher speeds reduce the time available for drivers to react to hazards on the road. A split-second delay in recognizing and responding to a potential danger can make the difference between a near miss and a catastrophic collision.

    Decreased Control: Driving at high speeds reduces a driver's ability to maintain control of the vehicle, especially in adverse weather conditions or on winding roads. Loss of control at high speeds can lead to loss of vehicle stability, rollovers and more severe crashes.

    Incompatibility with Crash Safety Systems: Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash. However, these systems are less effective at higher speeds, as the forces involved may exceed their protective capabilities.

    Increased Risk of Ejection: High-speed crashes are more likely to result in ejection of vehicle occupants, significantly increasing the risk of serious or fatal injuries.

    Impact on Pedestrians and Cyclists: Higher speeds also pose a greater risk to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. The likelihood of a pedestrian or cyclist being killed in a collision with a vehicle increases substantially as the speed of the vehicle increases.

    By recognizing the lethal consequences of high-speed driving, drivers can make informed choices to prioritize safety on the road. Adhering to posted speed limits, adjusting speed for road and weather conditions and avoiding aggressive driving behaviors can all help reduce the risk of serious injury or death for everyone sharing the road. Remember, arriving safely is always more important than arriving quickly.

    The Relationship between Vehicle Speed and Crash Severity

    Think about the difference between jumping off a curb, a chair or the roof of a house. Physics explains the powerful relationship between vehicles speeds and the severity of crashes.

    The relationship between speed and severity is not linear. The outcomes quickly become more dangerous for drivers and passengers. Even with seat belts, air bags and other safety features, here’s what happens as vehicle speed increases:




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  • From 40 to 50 mph, the chances of death double.

  • From 50 to 60 mph, the chances of death double again.

  • When impact speeds are over 50 mph, expect a fatality in half of the cases.

  • When impact speeds are over 70 mph, chances of death are nearly 100%.

  • Tips provide by AARP, Department of Motor Vehicles and Michelin.com

 

 

PLR 24-050 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-2
A 21-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap 28 April 2024 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at 1600 local. The Soldier reportedly was riding his motorcycle when he drove off the road and struck a concrete barrier. The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) responded to the scene and transported the Soldier to the local hospital. Upon arrival, he was pronounced dead by the attending physician. The Soldier was wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment; however, he did not have a valid motorcycle endorsement. He was scheduled to attend the Basic RiderCourse 4 June 2024. The SCHP reported speed was suspected as a contributing factor to the mishap. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for SCHP to release its final report.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 19th PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Unlicensed riders: Despite State requirements, some motorcycle riders are not properly licensed. In 2021 some 36% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes did not have valid motorcycle licenses, compared to only 17% of passenger vehicle drivers (NCSA, 2023).

Thirty-six percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2021 were riding without valid motorcycle licenses at the time of the crashes, while only 17 percent of passenger vehicle (passenger cars and light trucks) drivers in fatal crashes did not have valid licenses.

A valid motorcycle license includes a rider having a valid driver license (non-CDL license status) with a motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle-only license.

Motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were 1.2 times more likely than passenger car drivers to have previous license suspensions or revocations (16.8% and 14.2%, respectively).

NHTSA considers a crash to be speeding-related if the driver was charged with a speeding-related offense or if an investigating police officer indicated that racing, driving too fast for conditions, or exceeding the posted speed limit was a contributing factor in the crash. Thirty-three percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2021 were speeding, compared to 22 percent for passenger car drivers, 15 percent for light-truck drivers, and 7 percent for large-truck drivers.

Motorcycle riders 21 to 24 years old involved in fatal crashes had the highest speeding involvement at 49 percent.

Riding a motorcycle is among the riskier modes of transportation. Not only does operating a motorcycle require more physical skill and strength than driving a passenger vehicle, but motorcycles lack a protective structure, offering the rider virtually no protection in a crash. Furthermore, the motorcycle’s smaller size relative to most motor vehicles may make it less visible to drivers and will also make it more vulnerable in a collision with larger, heavier passenger vehicles and trucks.

Improve Your Motorcycling Skills and Safety with Training
Motorcycling is a unique experience. Whether you ride to and from work, prefer the camaraderie of a group ride on the weekend or enjoy the vistas of an off-pavement excursion, motorcycling engages all your senses and creates an exhilarating sense of freedom. Along with that freedom comes responsibility, and it's crucial to take every safety precaution.

All states require some form of license to ride a motorcycle on the street, demonstrating a minimum level of riding skill and knowledge. Liability insurance also is required. If your state does not require a hands-on training course before applying for a license, consider taking one anyway to learn basic riding skills and how to stay safe in traffic.

Riding a motorcycle requires a heightened sense of awareness, and more strength and coordination than driving a car. Riding also involves some risks not encountered when driving other vehicles. Motorcycle riders require more maneuvering skill and are more vulnerable in a crash. Motorcycles are not as easily seen as cars or trucks because of their narrow profile. Other motorists, particularly those who don’t ride a motorcycle, may not be looking for motorcycles in traffic. This places the motorcyclist at risk, particularly at intersections.

Hands-on Course
The MSF Basic RiderCourse is a great place to start once you've made the decision to ride. The BRC covers the basics of operating a motorcycle:

  • Clutch/throttle control

  • Shifting

  • Straight-line riding

  • Stopping

  • Turning

  • Swerving

  • Safety-oriented mental strategies

You’ll learn that safe riding depends as much on the mental skills of awareness and judgment as it does on the physical skill of maneuvering the machine. Motorcycles and helmets are provided for your use. Successful completion of this course – which typically includes the 3-hour Basic eCourse, five hours of formal classroom activities and 10 hours of riding instruction conducted over two or three sessions, plus knowledge and skill tests -- may waive the license test in your state. The course may also earn you an insurance discount.

Per AR 385-10:
The Army Progressive Motorcycle Program is mandatory for Soldiers operating a privately-owned motorcycle to sustain or enrich rider skills. The Army standard basic motorcycle rider’s course is an appropriate Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), MSF-based, state-approved or DoD component approved curriculum for motorcycle operators’ safety training. Training will be conducted by certified or licensed motorcycle rider coaches and include classroom instruction on technical and behavioral subjects, hands-on training, and an evaluation on a riding skills and knowledge.

The program consists of the following courses: Basic Rider Course (BRC), Experienced Rider Course (ERC)/Basic Riders Course–II (BRC–II), Military Sports Bike Rider Course (MSRC), Advanced Rider Course (ARC), Motorcycle Refresher Training (MRT), and sustainment training.

(1) Initial training. Prior to operating any two or three-wheeled vehicle that requires the operator to be licensed with a motorcycle endorsement in the state or HN, soldiers will successfully complete BRC. Training may be accomplished on a contractor-provided motorcycle or the individual’s own motorcycle. If approved by the commander, the Soldier may ride a motorcycle to the training site or location.

(2) Intermediate training. Within 1 year, based on the type of motorcycle owned or operated, Soldiers are required to complete an ERC, MSF BRC–II, state-approved, or DoD component approved course or an MSRC, MSF ARC, state-approved, or DoD component approved course for motorcycle operator intermediate level training.

(3) Motorcycle refresher training. MRT is required for any (motorcycle-licensed and endorsed) Soldier owning a motorcycle and returning from a deployment greater than 180 days. A Soldier must attend MRT prior to operating his or her motorcycle on a public or private street or highway with the exception of riding to the training site or location. MRT will be conducted on the individual’s own motorcycle to confirm ability to safely handle his or her motorcycle. Training will be provided at the unit level utilizing USACRC MRT digital video disk (DVD), which is available online at https://safety.army.mil or by request. Based on MRT performance, commanders can refer motorcycle riders back to the Progressive Motorcycle Program for re-training if they question the operator’s safe riding skills.

(4) Sustainment training. Within 5 years of completing intermediate training, inactivity, or the acquisition of a new or change in motorcycle(s), operators will complete the appropriate intermediate training course. Soldiers are encouraged to take sustainment training after a major geographical change. Sustainment training consists of the appropriate intermediate training course or other Army-approved motorcycle safe riding courses at no expense to the U.S. Government. Commanders are not authorized to waive or defer sustainment training.

PER AR 600-8-4 - Line of Duty Policy, Procedures, and Investigations
D–7. Rule 7
A Soldier who operates a motor vehicle in a negligent manner that was the proximate cause of an injury, illness, disease, or death may be found to have engaged in misconduct depending on the circumstances as a whole. Simple negligence alone does not constitute misconduct.

a. A Soldier who knew or should have reasonably known they were unfit to drive, and who is injured or deceased as a result of driving a motor vehicle when unfit to do so, may be found to have engaged in misconduct. Voluntary intoxication, use of drugs or other circumstances that affect the Soldier’s mental or physical faculties may cause a Soldier to be unfit.

b. It is not necessarily misconduct when a Soldier has a motor vehicle accident because they fell asleep while driving. Injury, illness, or death incurred while not wearing safety devices such as seat belts or safety helmets is one factor to consider. The violation must, under the circumstances, amount to gross negligence to constitute misconduct. For example, in motorcycle accident investigations, the IO should determine whether the motorcycle operator took the required safety course prior to the accident and obeyed traffic laws in determining the proximate cause of the accident.

c. The failure to use safety devices may have nothing to do with the proximate cause of the injury, illness, disease, or death. For example, the failure to wear a safety helmet may have nothing to do with a motorcyclist who breaks a leg.

d. Failure to use safety devices can aggravate the illness, injuries, or disease but will not be the proximate cause of the illness, injuries, disease, or death. Do not focus solely upon whether or not the Soldier was wearing seat belts or other protective devices at the time of the accident, instead carefully examine the facts and circumstances of each case.

Tips provided by USACRC, NHTSA and NSC.
 

 

 

PLR 24-049 - PMV-2 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, PMV-2

A 21-year-old Specialist assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in a PMV-2 mishap in Tacoma, Washington, at local. As the Soldier was approaching an intersection at a high rate of speed, he pulled the front wheel up into a wheelie. When he came down onto two wheels, he struck a vehicle turning left in front of him. The Tacoma police and fire departments arrived at the scene, administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation and transported the Soldier to a local hospital. Upon arrival, he was pronounced dead by the attending physician. The Soldier was properly licensed, wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment and completed the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation training. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for law enforcement to release its final report.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 18th PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

As a rule, stunt riding on public roads is illegal, and riders who ignore the laws may face serious consequences, including significant fines and the loss of their license and possibly their death or the death of others. Irresponsible riders make life harder for the rest of the riding community.

What is Trick Riding?
Trick riding, which is also referred to as stunt riding, refers to a motorcycle driver performing acrobatic maneuvers while operating their motorcycle. Common examples of stunt riding maneuvers include: stoppies, wheelies and burnouts.

What are Stunt Riding Laws?
Stunt riding laws dictate what types of trick riding are illegal. These laws vary by state. For example, the state law in Maine prohibits operating motorcycles without both wheels on the road.

Can I be Charged with Aggressive Driving When Trick Riding?
Yes, because many trick riding activities exhibit behaviors that are classified as this type of driving. Aggressive driving occurs when an individual operates a motor vehicle dangerously. An aggressive driver shows a disregard for safety and road laws. These drivers, if convicted, may face criminal charges, probation or a suspended sentence.

What Does Driving Recklessly Mean?
When an individual is facing a charge of driving recklessly, or reckless driving, it means that the driver was operating their motor vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other individuals as well as a willful disregard of the relevant consequences.

Reckless driving is considered a traffic offense which may or may not cause damage to property or automobile accidents. It is often associated with similarly related driving offenses, including DUI/DWI, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol street racing and driving with serious disregard for traffic laws.

A driver is driving recklessly when they are negligent in maintaining reasonable control of their vehicle. A driver’s actions, however, which amount to mere negligence and do not reach the level of willful or wanton disregard for the safety or consequences associated with the operation of their vehicle will not be sufficient to establish reckless driving.

Can I be Charged with Driving Recklessly?
Yes, as it is a type of moving traffic violation. As noted above, this occurs when a driver shows a willful, wanton disregard for public safety.

This type of traffic violation may result in fines and possible jail time.

Can I be Charged with More than Breaking Stunt Riding Laws?
Yes, depending on the circumstances of the case, a motorcyclist may be charged with more serious criminal offenses in addition to breaking stunt riding laws. For example, a motorcyclist may be charged with vehicular homicide if an individual dies as a result of the tricks performed on a motorcycle while riding on public streets.

What if I have been Involved in a Motorcycle Accident or Crash?
If an individual has been involved in a motorcycle accident or crash, they should report the incident to law enforcement, even if that accident occurred as a result of their trick riding. Law enforcement can make a report of the incident.

This report may be used as evidence in court in the event that a lawsuit is filed.

 

Top 15 Motorcycle Tips for Street Riding Safety
Rider safety basics always bear repeating. What can you add to this list?
By Motorcyclist Magazine

Close your eyes and recall your last ride in heavy traffic. Imagine the vehicles surrounding you, crowding you, cutting you off. Imagine yourself monitoring closing speeds, reading street signs, noticing and anticipating traffic lights. Then imagine guessing what pedestrians will do, or how slippery that painted line might be. And those distracted drivers on their phones… imagine trying to guess what they're going to do.

Riding in traffic can be a nightmare, especially for beginners. Is it any wonder so many motorcyclists crash and burn while riding on congested streets? It's amazing how many different tasks motorcyclists deal with on a normal traffic-choked commute. Doing it successfully means processing a multitude of items at once and reacting correctly to each. Doing it wrong can mean roadkill—the humankind. Here are 15 smart strategies for dealing with traffic-choked streets.

Watch Drivers' Heads and Mirrors
Watching the head movements of drivers through their windows and mirrors is an excellent way to anticipate sudden moves. Most drivers won't lunge left or right without first moving their heads one way or another—even if they don't check their mirrors.

Trust Your Mirrors, But Not Totally
Your bike's mirrors can be lifesavers, but they don't always tell the entire story even if they're adjusted properly. In traffic, always buttress your mirror-generated rear view with a glance over the appropriate shoulder. Do it quickly and you'll add an extra measure of rear-view and blind-spot knowledge to your info-gathering tasks.

Never Get Between a Vehicle and An Off-Ramp
This sounds almost too simple, but drivers who decide to exit at the last-minute kill plenty of riders each year. The simple rule, then, is to never position yourself between a vehicle and an offramp. Passing on the right is generally a no-no, but in this day and age, it's sometimes necessary. So, if you do it, do so between exits or cross streets.

Cover Your Brakes
In traffic, you must often react extra quickly, which means not fumbling for the brake lever or pedal. To minimize reach time, always keep a finger or two on the brake lever and your right toe close to the rear brake pedal. When that cellphone-wielding driver cuts across your path trying to get to the 7-Eleven for a burrito supreme, you'll be ready.

Be Noticed
Make sure drivers and pedestrians can see you, even from a distance. Ditch the all-black attire and wear brightly colored gear, especially your helmet and jacket. Hi-vis yellow suits and jackets are common at every gear shop.

Be Ready with the Power
In traffic, ride in a gear lower than you normally would so your bike is ready to jump forward instantly if asked. Doing so gives you the option of leaping ahead instead of being limited to just using the brakes when that pickup suddenly moves over. The higher revs might also alert more drivers to your presence.

Traffic Slowing? Stay Left—Or Right
When traffic slows suddenly, stay to the left or right of the car in front of you. This will give you an escape route if needed. It will also help keep you from becoming a car-motorcycle sandwich if the driver behind you fails to stop in time. Once you've stopped, be ready: clutch in, your bike in gear, and your eyes on the mirrors. You never know.

Practice The Scan
Constantly scanning your entire environment while riding—from instruments to mirrors, to the road ahead, to blind spots, to your left and right—keeps you aware and in touch with your situation, and therefore better able to react. Dwelling on one area too long—watching only behind or in front of you, for instance—is just begging for trouble.

Left-Turn Treachery
When approaching an oncoming car that's stopped and about to turn left, be ready. Watch the car's wheels or the driver's hands on the steering wheel; if you see movement, be ready to brake, swerve, or accelerate, whichever seems best for the situation.

Study The Surface
Add asphalt conditions to your scan. Be on the lookout for spilled oil, antifreeze, or fuel; it'll usually show up as shiny pavement. Also keep an eye out for gravel and/or sand, which is usually more difficult to see. Use your sense of smell too; often you can smell spilled diesel fuel before your tires discover how slippery the stuff is.

Ride In Open Zones
Use your bike's power and maneuverability to ride in open zones in traffic. In any grouping of vehicles there are always some gaps; find these and ride in them. Doing so will separate you from four-wheelers, give you additional room to maneuver, and allow you to keep away from dangerous blind spots. And vary your speed. Riding along with the flow can make you invisible to other drivers, especially in heavy traffic.

Use That Thumb
Get into the habit of canceling your turn signals often regardless of the traffic situation. A blinking signal might tell drivers waiting to pull into the road or turning left in front of you that you're about to turn when you aren't. Better to wear out the switch than eat a Hummer's hood, eh?

It's Good to Be Thin
A huge advantage single-track vehicles have over four-wheelers is their ability to move left and right within a lane to enable the rider to see what's ahead. Whether you're looking to the side of the cars ahead or through their windshields, seeing what's coming can give you lots of extra time to react.

More Than One Way Out
Yeah, motorcycles fall over. But they're also light, narrow, and hugely maneuverable, so you might as well learn to exploit their strengths when things get ugly, right? So don't just brake hard in a hairball situation. There's almost always an escape route. Swerving into Mrs. Smith's front yard could be a lot better than center-punching the Buick that turned left in front of you. Always have an escape route planned, and update it minute by minute.

Running Interference
This one's easy, and we'll bet most of you already do it: Let larger vehicles run interference for you when negotiating intersections. If the bonehead coming toward you from the left or right is going to blow the light, better they hit the box van next to you, right? For the same reasons, don't lunge through an intersection as soon as the light turns green. Be patient and use the vehicles next to you as cover.

 

 
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