FACTS

Common Causes of ATV Accidents:

1. Inexperience with operating ATVs and lack of training can lead to accidents.
2. Riding an ATV at excessive speeds increases the risk of losing control, especially on uneven terrain.
3. Engaging in risky maneuvers, such as sharp turns, jumps, or wheelies, can lead to accidents.
4. Poorly maintained ATVs can experience mechanical failures that can lead to accidents.
5. Operating an ATV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment.
6. Hazards in the environment, such as rough or uneven terrain, rocks, tree stumps, or other obstacles.
7. Ill-fitting helmets or gear that does not provide sufficient protection.
8. Carrying more passengers than the ATV is designed for can affect its stability and maneuverability.
9. Accidents can occur when ATVs collide with other vehicles, objects, or when encountering other riders on trails.
10. Weather conditions, such as rain, snow, mud, or ice, can affect the handling and traction of an ATV.
11. Rollover accidents are a big risk with ATVs traveling at high speeds or on uneven terrain.
12. Failing to wear helmets increases the risk of head injuries, like traumatic brain injuries.
13. Riding without goggles or a face shield can expose the rider to flying debris and insects.
14. Without proper protective clothing like gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and pants, riders are more vulnerable to cuts, scrapes, and lacerations in case of falls or contact with rough surfaces.

STATS

• Every year nationwide approximately 135,000 individuals are injured in ATV-related accidents.
• The age group of 35 to 44 had the highest percentage of ATV operators involved in fatal crashes with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, reports the (NHTSA) crash statistics.
• The Consumer Protection Safety Commission keeps track of all of the injury and death reports related to ATVs. For the latest reporting there were:93,800 ATV injuries treated in emergency rooms throughout the country. There is an average of 500-600 fatalities each year due to ATV accidents.
• There were 15,250 reported ATV deaths in the United States and millions of injuries. According to the CPSC, there have been 702 reported deaths.
• (CPCS) reported that in recent years an estimated 25,500 individuals were treated for ATV-related injuries in hospital emergency rooms; nearly 0,000 were hospitalized and over 400 deaths were recorded. Over 30 % of the injured persons were less than 6 years of age with 27 % of the fatalities to children under 6 years of age. The CPSC also indicated that 6.4 % of all ATV accidents occurred on the farm, resulting in more than 20 fatalities on American farms annually.
• In Canada, 33% of victims of fatal ATV accidents were not wearing a helmet.