ATV Accident Death and Injury Statistics – Vermont

In May 2017, Vermont State Police reported that a 54-year-old woman died after the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) that she was operating rolled onto her, in her driveway in Newbury, pinning her down. According to the police report, the woman died of her injuries at the scene.

What’s more, in June 2016, a 24-year-old Burlington woman died following an accident involving two motorcycles and an ATV. The person riding the ATV was arrested on suspicion of operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and was identified as the primary cause of the accident.

ATV Accident Statistics

These two stories are not uncommon when it comes to ATVs and the risks that they tend to pose. They also pose serious fire and explosion risks, particularly when poor design and defective parts are involved.

According to the Vermont Sports Medicine Centre, ATV accidents are particularly common amongst children. According to records from hospitals around the U.S., there were 4,483 children hospitalized for ATV-related accidents just in 2006.

Further, a review of the records from 1997 up to present time shows that the rate of ATV-related accidents and deaths has increased, with a 240 percent increase in injuries.

Recent Recalls

More and more we see recalls of all-terrain vehicles due to high risks of fires and explosions. In June 2017, Kawasaki issued a recall of 6,600 off-road and all-terrain vehicles due to fire hazards. The recall involves a range of 2017 models of the Brute Force 750 all-terrain vehicles, the Teryx and Teryx4 off-highway vehicles, and Mule utility vehicles. Both the UTVs and ATVs have been recalled because of reports of a possible hairline crack in the fuel level sensor plate. This crack can potentially allow the pump to separate from the tank, leading to a fuel leakage and an increased fire hazard. People burned in ATV fires often incur first, second, and third-degree burns.

Furthermore, ATV manufacturer, Textron has also issued recalls this year for about 1,100 off-road vehicles due to the vehicles lacking certain safety restraints and therefore posing a greater risk for serious injury or death for both riders and passengers who may be involved in an accident. This recall was initiated in January this year and involved both the Bone Collector XTO and Bad Boy XTO models sold at dealerships around the country between the period of November 2010 and June 2013. Sadly, one death has been reported to date.