ATV Accident Death and Injury Statistics – New York

New York is one of the states that don’t require a driver license for people interested in operating an ATV. A few restrictions, however, do apply to minors. Individuals under the age of 15 can operate an all-terrain vehicle only under the supervision of an adult or after the completion of an ATV training safety course. Safety training courses must be approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles, and they’re available throughout the state.

Such measures are introduced in an attempt to reduce the number of ATV accidents that cause serious injuries or even death. Just like most other US states, this state sees a big number of ATV crashes that involve underage drivers or passengers.

General ATV Accident Statistics

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the state has seen 433 ATV wrecks with a fatal outcome in the period from 1982 to 2012. This number gives it the eighth position among the US states that have the most fatal crashes. From 2013 to 2015, the number of deadly ATV accidents reached 51.

Even if they don’t cause death, ATV crashes can lead to serious injuries. Some of the most common types of trauma sustained after such crashes include brain injuries, fractures, spinal cord injuries and internal organ damage.

While owners and drivers have the duty to undertake all necessary safety precautions, many individuals underestimate the importance of those. Driving without a helmet or under the influence of alcohol are both common behaviors.

On occasions, ATV accidents can also be caused by design glitches and vehicle malfunctions that can potentially increase the risk of fires or explosions.

ATV Crashes in New York

In Sweden, New York, an ATV was driven into a building, killing the driver during the crash. Benjamin Levchuk drove the ATV into the side of a barn. The 19-year-old was found still sitting on it after the crash, but he was pronounced dead at the scene,

A similar accident took place in Oswego County in July 2017. One man died when he drove his ATV into a parked trailer. The 27-year-old hadn’t consumed alcohol. Investigators believe that the high speed could have made the driver lose control.

Another tragic accident involving an 11-year-old boy took place in Whitehall in May 2016. The boy was riding an all-terrain vehicle by himself when he got struck by another vehicle. The boy was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, and he sustained a severe leg injury.