Drowning deaths of U.S. service personnel associated with motor vehicle accidents occurring in operation Iraqi freedom and operation enduring freedom, 2003-2005

Objective: We examined common factors in vehicular drowning deaths that might lead to changes in equipment or training. Methods: Drowning deaths among service members deployed to Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom, 2003 to 2005, were ascertained using the Armed Forces Medical Examiner Tracking System database. Cases were linked to Army and Navy safety and investigative files. Results: Fifty-two cases of vehicular drowning deaths were identified. These occurred mostly at night, were almost always the result of a rollover, and were most frequently associated with a high-mobility medium-weight vehicle. Seat belts were rarely worn, but the majority of injuries should not have been severe enough to affect egress from the vehicle. These drowning deaths seldom occurred while engaged with the enemy and were rarely associated with bad road conditions or bad weather. Conclusions: Effective preventive strategies might focus on training and equipment to reduce rollover events and on the expeditious extrication of victims.