ATV accident Death and Injury Statistics - Illinois

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are popular for trail-riding, recreation, and farm work in rural areas of Illinois. They are functional transport through woodlands, open fields, and rocky land that on-road cars and trucks can’t get to. These motorized off-road vehicles are similar to dirt bikes in that the operator straddles the seat and steers using handle bars. However, ATVs prove more stable on three or four low-pressure tires.

Bear in mind that ATVs are not toys. Accidents can result in fires, explosions, serious injuries, and even death. A report from the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission shows that 289 people have been killed in accidents in Illinois between 1982 and 2015.

ATV Deaths

Far too many lives have been lost in tragic four-wheeler accidents. These open-top vehicles may or may not have roll bars so that riders can be ejected and pinned underneath their ATV. The following are some deadly happened in Illinois in 2017.

• William McPherron, 35, had a heart attack and died after an ATV crash in Lake County Forest Preserve near Buffalo Grove in July of 2017. Emergency responders found McPherron and transported him to Condell Medical Center in Libertyville where he died from multiple traumatic injuries. His female passenger also suffered injuries but survived.
• In June of 2017 Adam Heyen, 15, was killed, and his 12-year-old sister was seriously injured in a wreck in Carlinville. Both were thrown from the vehicle after Heyen, who was driving, lost control, and neither were wearing helmets. The girl was airlifted to a St. Louis hospital in serious condition.
• Tyler Schaffrin, 18, collided with a pickup truck while operating his ATV in Groveland. The accident occurred at the intersection of Broadway and Kruse Court. Emergency Responders declared Schaffrin dead at the scene. The driver and passenger in the truck were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Fires and Explosions

ATVs pose a serious hazard when it comes to fires and explosions. Malfunctions can start engine fires. Heat from the exhaust can ignite dry grass. It’s a good idea to keep a small fire extinguisher on board.

In June of 2017, a four-wheeler caught fire and exploded witch then set another nearby ATV on fire. Harvard Fire Protection District responded to a call about the explosion in a homeowner’s garage on Streit Road. The owner’s truck was also in the garage, surrounded by gas cans. Firefighters extinguished the flames quickly. The fire and resulting explosion were likely caused by a malfunction. No one was injured in the incident.

Serious Injuries

Illinois has seen a number of serious injuries from ATV accidents. Off-road operators need to bear in mind safety precautions. Anyone wanting to ride a four-wheeler should attend a hands-on training course and always wear a helmet. The following a just a few of the serious injuries suffered in the state.

In June of 2017, a man suffered critical injuries when the ATV he was operating collided with a tree. The man was riding on private property off Horning Road when he was thrown from his vehicle into a nearby pond. The heavily wooded area slowed the arrival of first responders, and the man’s friends were able to pull him from the water before emergency services came. He was unconscious, and the Emergency Medical crew had to push a stretcher 150 yards to get him to the ambulance. Once out of the wooded area, they flew him by helicopter to Advocate Conell Medical Center in Libertyville.

Three people were hospitalized in March of 2017 after their two ATVs collided on Venedy Rd. North of St. Libory. Two people were on one vehicle, and a third person was driving alone on a second when they crashed into each other. Two victims were taken to area hospitals, and one was airlifted to St. Louis.