ATV Accident Types – Overview

An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) can serve a variety of purposes. It may be used for hunting, farming purposes, or recreational purposes. But, an ATV can become dangerous very quickly, resulting in a myriad of serious injuries, especially due to fires and explosions as a result of defective parts.

Different Types of ATV Accidents

There are many different types of accidents that can occur when using this kind of vehicle. Three of the most common types include:

  • General ATV crashes
  • ROV, or recreational off-highway vehicle crashes
  • UTV, or utility vehicle, crashes

When the vehicle crashes, the driver crashes. The open-air nature of the vehicle’s design poses a large risk for severe injury. This is the case whether you are thrown from the vehicle, remain in the driver’s seat after the accident, or are pinned beneath the wheels.

Common Causes of Accidents and ATV Injuries

Despite ATV manufacturer’s assurances of safety, rollovers tend to be the most common cause of injuries related to these vehicle crashes. A rollover may be a rear rollover, frontal rollover, or side rollover, with each being equally dangerous and could result in the driver being thrown from the vehicle or even crushed.

Among riders who were killed in single-vehicle crashes during 2014, it is reported that 64 percent involved the vehicle rolling over during the incident.

Accidents tend to be especially common when driving the off-road vehicle on a paved surface since these vehicles are predominantly designed for off-road terrains. Riding the vehicles on paved roads or in parking lots can result in serious accidents and injuries, with tires blowing out being one of the next main causes for injuries. Any kind of tire issue can result in extremely dangerous circumstances that can lead to loss of control and rolling over. The common causes for tires blowing out and general accidents are:

  • Break failure
  • Poorly maintained trails
  • Defective design
  • Poor driver training
  • Incorrect air pressure
  • Inadequate manufacturer safety instructions
  • Improperly mounted rim
  • Improperly mounted tire
  • Negligent entrustment by the owner

What’s more, defective parts can result in serious fires or explosions and therefore significant injuries. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, roughly 13.9 percent of all fires reported nationwide in 2014, or approximately 193,500 cases, involve vehicles. Furthermore, it is estimated that vehicle fires kill 300 and injure more than 1,200 every year.

Off-Road Vehicle Accidents Are a Major Cause of Injury and Death

More than two decades after the United States government safety agency declared all-terrain vehicles and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) imminent hazards, there are still questions about the safety and stability of certain models.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) continues to receive reports of related fatalities, and as of December 2014, some 13,617 fatalities had reportedly occurred between 1982 and 2014, many of which are preventable.

How to Prevent an Accident

There are 5 common factors that are considered causes and risks of crashes, including:

  • Improper use of the vehicle
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Lack of experience
  • Lack of the correct gear
  • Riding in unsafe or inappropriate areas

To prevent an accident, these risk factors should be considered. For instance, don’t consume alcohol and always wear the correct protective gear. It is also important to seek qualified instruction and to only ride on designated, safe terrains.

ATVs are similar to motor vehicles in that they move at excess speeds and weight enough to cause serious injury. Therefore, they should always be handled responsibly.