ATV accident Death and Injury Statistics - Kansas
Off-road vehicles are popular for recreational trail riding in Kansas. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) traverse woodlands, fields, and rocky ground where traditional, on-road vehicles can’t go. These heavy machines might be fun to ride, but they are not toys—they can be very dangerous. Accidents and system failures can lead to fires, explosions, serious injuries, and death. The U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission reports 165 lives lost in Kansas from ATV accidents between 1982 and 2015.
Accidental Deaths
ATV accidents have been the cause the loss of far too many lives in Kansas. These tragic deaths have devastated families and communities across the state and prompting concerns about off-roading safety and laws.
- Ashley Richuber, 21, was driving a 2009 Bush Hog in a ditch parallel to U.S. 56 near Ellinwood. Ashley was riding the ATV with her passenger, 19-year-old Abbie Richuber. She when she tried to turn left on to 1st Road when she was struck by a 2015 Nissan passenger car driving by Fernando Vega. The women were transported to the hospital in Ellinwood where Ashley died.
- Brett Cunningham, 14, was killed in an ATV accident in Liberty, Kansas in June of 2017. The Eisenhower Middle School student was a passenger on a Polaris four-wheeler driven by a 16-year-old who was not injured in the crash. The driver was speeding when the vehicle toppled over on the passenger side, killing Cunningham.
- Micheal Bodenhausen, 64, was killed in an ATV accident while farming. The man was operating the vehicle and spraying thistles on a farm in Atchison County when the vehicle rolled over. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fires and Explosions
Four-wheelers can be a serious fire and explosion hazards. For starters, a malfunctioning engine can fires. They have been known to catch fire and cause explosions from crashes. Heat from the exhaust can ignite dry grass, spreading into wildfires. Every muffler should have a spark arrestor installed in the muffler to prevent sparks from reaching the ground. Don’t ride or idle near tall, dry grass. It’s a good idea to keep a small fire extinguisher on board.
Recently a major manufacturer, announced a recall of all 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbos and RZR XP 4 Turbos because engines were overheating. The drain tube on the turbo system could come loose and cause fires. The company received reports of 19 ATV fires with a total of 6 burn victims.
This recall follows another one for all Polaris RZR 900s and RZR 1000s manufactured between 2013 and 2016. After 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
Off-road operators need to bear in mind safety precautions to avoid serious injury. ATV operators should first attend a hands-on training course and always wear protective gear. The following are just a few of the serious injuries suffered in the state.
Three people were seriously hurt in an ATV crash in Saline County in April of 2017. Lawson Constable, 18, was driving a 2004 Chevy that crossed the center line and collided with a four-wheeler driven by Jed Burr, 39, of Salina. Constable then hit a utility vehicle driven by Jordan Lindquist, 19, of Brookeville. All three were taken to the hospital. Burr was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.