ATV Accident Death and Injury Statistics – Wisconsin

In 2009, nine people reportedly died in all-terrain vehicle accidents, which is almost twice the amount reported in 2008, despite a trend of declining ATV registrations in Wisconsin. In one month alone, three deaths were reported.

Of these accidents, seven people were killed in rollovers, being crushed by the ATVs, which can weigh more than 700 pounds. Just two of the victims wore helmets, and none had taken the state-required ATV safety courses for users born after January 1, 1988. In three of the four cases, drivers were operating the vehicles under the influence of alcohol.

Recalls

While the numbers of registrations for new ATVs has declined in Wisconsin in the past few years, this year has seen a number of manufacturer defaults and recalled from fire hazards. In June, Kawasaki recalled some 6,600 off-road and all-terrain vehicles from fire hazards. The recall relates to the 2017 models of the Teryx and Teryx4 off-highway vehicles, the Mule utility vehicles, and the Brute Force 750 all-terrain vehicles. Both the UTV and ATV models have been recalled due to a possible hairline crack found in the fuel level sensor plate. The crack has the potential to allow the pump to separate from the tank and therefore result in a fuel leakage and fire risks that could lead to severe burns and death.

Earlier in the year, Polaris issued a recall for more than 19,000 Sportsman 1000 and Sportsman 850 ATVs due to fire risks. The ATVs were recalled because it was found that the right-side heat shield may melt. What’s more, the 2015 Sportsman 1000 models are found to have exhaust springs that can stretch and damage the seal, leading to exhaust links. In such instances, riders and passengers are at an increased risk of burn and fire hazards. The manufacturer has reportedly received 47 reports of fires, four reports of burn injuries, and 793 incidents of melted, warped, or burned side panels.

Wisconsin Statistics

There are 2,000 or more miles of ATV trails scattered through the state, with the western part of Wisconsin seeing heavy use, and some trails have recorded more than 500 riders on some days. Some areas have recorded a number of fatalities. Often, ATVs of rugged terrains fall on or strike the operator, leading to oil spills, leaks, explosions, and fires.

While riders are urged to be cautious, educated, and experienced, manufacturers must follow safety procedures to prevent fire risks.