ATV Accident Death and Injury Statistics – Oklahoma

While most states have introduced measures to bring down the number of ATV accidents and fatalities, crashes still occur. Oklahoma is no exception.

In 2012 and 2013, ATV accidents were a prominent problem in the state. At the time, an average of 15 deaths occurred per year in relationship with ATV crashes. The number of injured individuals reached the hundreds.

While the danger has been brought down since 2012, deathly crashes still occur. A general belief that ATVs are more stable and safer than other vehicles is one of the most prominent contributing factors.

ATV Crash and Fatality Statistics for Oklahoma

Oklahoma isn’t among the states that have the highest ATV-related death numbers, but fatal accidents do occur. In the period from 2012 to 2014, there were 21 deaths caused by an ATV crash. The annual numbers were nine for 2014, seven for 2013 and five for 2012.

Reports suggest that most injuries are sustained in the 10 to 19 and 20 to 29 age groups. More than 40 percent of all individuals who were injured in an ATV crash in 2007 were boys in the 10 to 19 age group. Thirty-one percent of the injuries were sustained by men in the 20 to 29 age group.

The Dangers Stemming from Reckless ATV Use

While ATVs are pretty stable when driven at a moderate speed offroad, they can be dangerous at a higher speed. ATVs are notorious for their tendency to flip over when driven at high speed. Some models have also been found to be defective through the years, which increases the risk.

When an ATV crashes, it can also potentially catch fire. Overheated elements and fuel leakages may lead to combustion and even to an explosion.

These are some of the reasons why the use of protective gear is incredibly important, regardless of the specifics of the terrain. Many people, however, ignore simple measures like wearing a helmet. As a result, ATV ejections can lead to serious head trauma and even to death.

ATV Crashes and Accidents in Oklahoma

While there haven’t been reports about ATVs catching fire in the state, multiple severe crashes have occurred through the years.

In 2015, a teenager lost her arm after an ATV accident. The girl and some friends were driving the ATV during a birthday party. They hit a hole, which caused the vehicle to flip over. Most of the teenagers experienced minor injuries except from two – one had a broken vertebrae and the other one got her hand severed.

In June 2017, a teenager died due to injuries sustained in an ATV crash. The 15-year-old boy was driving the ATV on private property in Eufaula. A crash occurred, and the boy experienced serious injuries. He, later on, died in a Tulsa hospital.

Many reports suggest that young people are most vulnerable. A 14-year-old boy lost his life in 2015. The crash occurred in Caddo County. Due to the lack of protective gear, the boy sustained serious head injuries after the crash. He was declared dead at the scene.