ATV Accident Death and Injury Statistics – South Carolina

Every day, thousands of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are ridden by people in South Carolina. Some of these vehicles are used for transport or to take materials for work, while others are used to go on riding trails for leisure purposes. Sadly, though, as more people recognize ATVs for their fun, economy, and ruggedness, more ATV-related deaths and injuries are being reported – and many of these are as a result of fires or explosions.

In 2017, for example, manufacturer, Textron, issued a recall for their Bad Boy model, involving some 1,100 off-road vehicles as they lacked the necessary safety restraints and posed an increased risk of serious injury and even death for riders and passengers in the event that they were involved in an accident. The recall, initiated in January of this year, involved both the Bad Boy XTO and Bone Collector XTO models sold at dealerships around the country between the periods of November 2010 and June 2013. Unfortunately, at least one death has been reported to date.

ATV Death and Injury Statistics in South Carolina

According to the 2014 Annual Report of ATV-Related Deaths and Injuries from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 13,000 ATV-related fatalities were reported between 1982 and 2014, which is an average of around 425 deaths each year. Just over 3,000 of the deaths were children under the age of 16, and around 1,340 of them were children under twelve years of age. It is reported that at least 149 of the deaths were state residents.

While you may be shocked at these statistics, the number of injuries suffered throughout the nation is astounding. Some 93,700 people were treated in an emergency room due to an ATV-related incident, and that was in 2014 alone. Around 46 percent of those injuries were because of broken bones, bruises, and abrasions, with around 56 percent of injuries being to the arm, neck, or head. In instances where an all-terrain vehicle unexpectedly explodes or results in a fire, the burns can range from first-degree through to severe third-degree burns.

Causes of ATV Deaths and Injuries

While there are a variety of reasons for an ATV crash, negligence tends to be high on the list. However, ATV manufacturers can be found liable for fatalities and injuries if a dangerous product defect results in an accident or explosions. Unsafe product design and flaws in manufacturing can lead to unexpected failures, and therefore severe injury or death.

Chandler’s ATV Law in South Carolina

To prevent child injuries and deaths, Governor Haley signed Chandler’s Law. The law took effect in July 2011, and it disallows children under the age of 6 from operating an ATV. Further, it prohibits operators under the age of 16 from carrying any passengers. Also, operators under sixteen years of age must wear eye protection and helmets when riding an ATV.

A knowledgeable ATV accident attorney can help victims determine liability and pursue compensation for their injuries.