ATV ACCIDENTS ON THE RISE

All Terrain Vehicles, better known as ATVs, are becoming more popular, particularly among younger people. Of Off-highway vehicles, ATVs are far and away the type most often used—and the most often involved in accidents. The dangers of riding OHVs are real and include overturning, collisions and occupant ejection. CPSC’s latest data show an annual average of more than 700 deaths and an estimated 100,000 emergency department-treated injuries involving OHVs. According to the National Institutes of Health, injuries to youth on ATVs have been increasing exponentially in recent years. Youth under age 16 years are 4 times more likely to require emergency room treatments.  

According to CPSC’s latest report, from 2016 through 2018, there were 2,211 deaths in the United States associated with OHVs, which includes all-terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles and utility-terrain vehicles. ATVs accounted for nearly three-quarters of the deaths. Nearly 300 deaths were among children under the age of 16. CPSC estimates that 112,300 injuries, associated with OHVs, were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2020. Over five years, ATVs were the vehicle involved in 96 percent of the OHV injuries.

The following 10 states accounted for 931 deaths, or more than 42 percent of the off-highway vehicle deaths from 2016 through 2018: Texas; West Virginia; Pennsylvania; Kentucky; California; Florida; North Carolina; New York; Alabama and Michigan. Georgia ranks 11th in the country for deaths due to ATV accidents.  

CAUSES OF ATV DEATHS AND INJURIES

The following are leading causes of injury and fatal accidents:

• Driving an ATV on a paved surface. ATVs are designed for off-road use only and handle poorly on pavement.
• Riding double on an ATV that isn’t designed to carry a passenger. Most ATVs are designed for only one rider.
• Letting inexperienced operators ride without an experienced riding partner.
• Riding without adult supervision.
• Performing dangerous stunts and maneuvers.
• Operating in unfamiliar areas or terrain.
• Failing to observe state laws and local ordinances.



SAFETY TIPS

Ride safely with a few tips:

• Get hands-on training from a qualified instructor, e.g., in an ATV Safety Institute (ASI) course.
• Never ride with more passengers than there are seats. Most ATVs are designed for one rider.
• Never ride on public roads, except to cross, where permitted by law.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before or while driving an ATV, because alcohol can impair judgment and response time.
• Stay off paved roads.
• Riders younger than 16 should drive only age-appropriate youth models, and never adult models.
• Always wear a helmet and other protective gear, such as eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.

RIDING ATVs IN GEORGIA

In Georgia, there are neither license nor training requirements, nor a legal age limit to operate an ATV, nor a helmet law. In fact, the only current law concerning ATVs in Georgia is that they are not permitted to be operated on sand dunes or beaches anywhere in the state except as authorized. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that riders be 16 years old or above when operating adult ATVs.  

CONTACT A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident with an OHV, contact Dave Thomas at The Thomas Law Firm for a free consultation regarding your legal rights.