ATV is a 4-tires all-terrain vehicle that is a part of the motorized OHVs (Off-the-highway wheels) designed to work on low-pressure tires and controlled by handlebars. ATVs are most commonly used by farmers in their fields and people who enjoy having off-road experiences.
ATVs vehicles- quads or side-by-side look fun and easy to handle but risky. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s latest statistics, ATVs accounted for nearly three-quarters of the deaths and 112,300 injuries associated with Off-Highway vehicles.
What is a Side-by-Side ATV?
An ATV is any vehicle that can be driven over an all-terrain. Side-by-Side ATVs are the second most popular ATVs after quads. A side-by-side ATV is an offroad vehicle with car-like seating, steering and pedal wheels. These ATVs are more expensive than the quads because of the extra material of the body but are more convenient to drive and offer slightly higher protection. You are not allowed to drive a side-by-side ATV on roads. Hence, you are only allowed to drive them off-road.
Why are ATVs Risky?
The ATV companies often brand an image of ATVs as stable vehicles that are safe to ride. However, that’s not the case. While quads might look fun, the dangerous truth is that ATVs kill many people yearly. Since ATVs offer no protection to the rider, accidents involving ATVs can be life-threatening.
These are the most common ATV Accidents-
- ATV Overloading
- Overspeeding
- Tire blowouts
- Side Rollover accidents
- Axle failures
- Riding with 2 or more passengers
- Driving on pavements
How common are ATV Crashes?
Since ATVs have 4-wheels, people are in a misconception that they aren’t dangerous. According to trauma surgeons and researchers, ATVs are more dangerous than motorcycles. Nearly 50,000 accidents happened between 2015-2019 from ATVs. The death toll is also grim. There are about 1000 deaths caused by ATVs each year. ATV riders involved in an accident are more than 50% likely to die or end up in an ICU.
What injuries can ATV Accidents cause?
An ATV accident can be fatal and heavily injure the driver because they aren’t protected properly and can lead to:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Physical disability
- Fractures
- Hearing loss
- Facial deformation
- Neurological problems
- Death
- Broken Bones
What are the most common causes of ATV Accidents?
The most common causes of side-by-side ATV accidents are:
- Speeding
- When children are driving ATVs
- Driving on pavements
- Driving with one or more passengers
- Performing risky stunts
Safety Tips for ATV riders
- Invest in high-quality safety gear- helmets, goggles, jackets, protective equipment, thick clothing and strong shoes
- You should not allow children to ride ATVs.
- Do not try to cross lanes.
- Maintain a good distance from any large vehicle driving in front of you.
- Always use the side mirrors to keep an eye on traffic flow.
- Ride solo. Don’t allow any other passenger to sit with you.
- Invest in a proper training course. Instructors know the local roads and are best trained to educate you about the dangerous intersections and roads.
- Always keep your ATV well-maintained and inspected.
- Don’t Overspeed. ATVs are light, and the risk of injuries is higher.
- Don’t try stunts.
- Understand legal regulations.
- Read the operator’s manual first.
- Don’t indulge in intoxicated driving.
What to do after an ATV Accident?
The first step after you or your loved one is injured in an ATV Accident is to seek medical treatment. Next, consult a skilled ATV Accident lawyer to tackle your case. Do not delay; else, you risk losing the evidence that can form the foundation of your case. Meanwhile, if you are in a position to do something, ask for the details of the other driver and passengers involved in accidents.
Conclusion
Whenever you are riding an ATV, make sure to have a GPS device installed on the vehicle. Also, don’t ride without a cellphone, which you can use to contact someone in the case of an emergency. In case of any medical emergency, call the nearest hospital and consult your personal ATV Accident Lawyer.
