ATV accident Death and Injury Statistics - Kentucky

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), also known as four-wheelers, are popular modes of transport in Kentucky. They are used for recreational trail-riding as well as for work on farms. These off-road vehicles travel on three or four low-pressure tires. As with motorbikes, ATV operators straddle the seat and steer with handlebars. Many are intended for a single-rider; however, some tandem ATVs are designed for a driver and passenger. These vehicles are capable of traversing a wide range of terrain such as woodlands, fields, mud, and rocky land. ATVs are not street-legal in Kentucky.

Fatal Accidents

There have been far too many Kentuckians killed in four-wheeler accidents over the years. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there have been 652 deaths associated with ATVs in Kentucky between 1982 and 2015.

In July of 2017, two best friends were in a tragic ATV accident in Daviess County. One died, and the other was badly injured. Cousins Jared Bean and Austin Bean were riding side-by-side in the four-wheeler that Austin was driving. The men tried to cross Highway 2830 and were struck by another vehicle. They were transported to the hospital where Jared was pronounced dead. Austin broke several ribs. Neither men were wearing helmets at the time of the accident. Austin was later charged with second-degree manslaughter and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Lieutenant Shawn Howard of the Jackson Police Department died in an ATV accident Easter Morning of 2017. Howard lost control of his four-wheeler and collided with a tree near Highway 1098 in Breathitt County. A female passenger on the ATV required hospitalization following the crash. The Lieutenant leaves behind a 6-year-old daughter.

In May of 2017, Tracy Horn, 41, died in an ATV wreck near her home in Martin County. Horn went riding on her ATV, and Family members began searching when she did not return. Horn was discovered pinned beneath her vehicle.

Fires and Explosions

Crashes and malfunctions can result in fires and explosions. Kawasaki has recalled various 2017 models of Brute Force 750 ATVs because they pose a fire hazard. A possible crack in the fuel sensor plate could cause fuel leakage which increases the risk of fire. Similarly, Polaris had to recall Sportsman models from 2015 and 2016 because riders may be a risk from fire and burns. There were at least 47 reported fires, four burn injuries, and 793 cases of burned, melted, or warped side panels.

Serious Injuries

Teenager Noah Thompson was thrown 60 in an ATV wreck in Lawrence County, Kentucky in June of 2017. Thompson and his friend, Brandon Smith, rode four-wheelers near his home in Blaine. Noah took his eyes off the road for a moment, and his wheels departed the blacktop. The vehicle went into a ditch, flipped over, rolled several times, and ejected Thompson. Smith ran to a neighbor to call 911. Thompson was airlifted to a hospital in Huntington. The victim suffered a collapsed lung, cracked vertebrae, and an exposed leg bone.

Staying Safe

It’s important to keep in mind that these vehicles are not toys. ATVs are powerful and often dangerous. Tragic accidents have ended in injury, fire, explosion, and even death. Such horrifying accidents can devastate families and communities. Help reduce death and injury in the state by making safety a part of every ride. Bearing in mind the rules of the trail and make safety a part of every ride.

  1. Keep off paved roads—ATVs are for trail riding.
  2. Adults only—do not let children under sixteen drive or ride.
  3. No passengers—ATVs are designed to be single-rider vehicles.
  4. Always wear protective gear—helmet, gloves, goggles.
  5. Take hands-on safety training—a little knowledge goes a long way.