ATV accident Death and Injury Statistics - Hawaii

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are a common way to travel across sandy beaches and rural ranches in Hawaii. These vehicles have three or four wheels and are meant for off-roading only—it is illegal to ride them on paved, public streets.

ATVs can pose a danger to riders. Safety precautions help prevent injuries and death from accidents that can result in fires, explosions, serious injuries, and even death. According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, a total of 21 people have died in Hawaii from ATV accidents between 1982 and 2015.

Fires and Malfunctions

Off-road vehicles can pose serious hazards from fires and explosions. Recently, Polaris Industries, a major manufacturer of the vehicles, had to recall all 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbos and RZR XP 4 Turbos because the engines can overheat. If the drain tube on the turbo system comes loose, it can cause fires.

This is following another such recall for all Polaris RZR 900s and RZR 1000s manufactured between 2013 and 2016. These recalled models can catch fire while driving. For these models, there were more than 160 fires and 19 injuries, including third-degree burns. One fire even resulted in the death of a 15-year-old passenger.

Serious Injuries

Riders can be critically injured from ATV accidents. Wrecks sometimes result in life-threatening burns, head trauma, or chest trauma. Riders should always wear helmets and protective gear to lessen the chance of serious injuries to riders in Hawaii.

In 2010, three related girls were hospitalized following an ATV accident. The oldest, 16, was driving and her passengers were two girls, age 11- and 4-years-old. The driver lost control, and the vehicle flipped. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition. The 11-year-old was stable, and the 4-year-old was in serious condition.

ATV Deaths

Too many people lose their lives from terrible four-wheeler wrecks. ATVs are open-topped, and may or may not have roll bars for protection. Sometimes people are thrown from a crash, killing them. These are just some of the ATV-related deaths that have happened in Hawaii.

• In 2012, Abraham Akau Sr., an 81-year-old religious leader, died after the four-wheeler he was driving when he crashed with a car near the Kualoa Ranch. He had worked as a foreman at the ranch for over 50 years, and neighbors referred to him as “Uncle Abe.” According to police, he had been driving his four-wheeler north on Kamehameha Highway when he attempted a left-hand turn and crashed into a Saturn sedan. The man was ejected from the ATV and thrown into the Saturn’s windshield.
• In December of 2015, Keith J. Leonatti, 63 of Na’alehu died in a four-wheeler accident on private property. His family found him unconscious and trapped under the vehicle. He was taken to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.