ATV Accident Death and Injury Statistics – Utah

In Ogden in 2015, the death of a nine-year-old Tremonton boy in an ATV accident hit close to home for many parents. The boy was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident which occurred at the youth ATV certification course at the Weber County Fairground.

Utah ATV Accident and Injury Statistics

Utah’s statistics, especially when comes to children and ATV riding, is somewhat distressing. Overall, it is the fourth-highest admitting hospital in the country for children with traumatic brain injuries, 12 percent of which are related to all-terrain vehicles. Unfortunately, just 58 percent of people in Utah tend to wear helmets when riding ATVs, despite a state law requiring everyone under the age of 17 to wear one. What’s more, Utah requires that children between the ages of 8 and 16 take an ATV certification course, yet just 38 percent of children whose parents own an ATV do so.

Despite free safety classes, helmet laws, and manufacturer warnings, an average of 1,800 people are treated in our hospitals each year for ATV related injuries. More than a third of the accident victims are children under the age of 19.

Further statistics in Utah show that 14 people die in off-road vehicle and snowmobile crashes every year. Besides helmets, officials advocate that riders wear appropriate protective safety gear such as a face shield or goggles as well as clothing that covers the entire body – and preferably fire-retardant gear. That’s because ATV explosion fires can, and do, happen – because of faulty parts, poor design, and manufacturing.

Fire Hazards and Recalls

This year alone, several ATV manufacturers have had to recall a number of off-road models because of fire risks and reported explosions, fire-related injuries, and even deaths.

For example, in March, well-known manufacturer, Polaris, recalled nearly 20,000 of its Sportsman 850 and Sportsman 1000 ATVs due to fire hazards. The recall involves both 2015 and 2016 models. The vehicles have been recalled due to the right-side heat shield reportedly melting. Furthermore, the 2015 Sportsman 1000 models reportedly have exhaust springs that can stretch and damage the seal, leading to exhaust links, and an increased risk of fire and burn dangers.

If you are burned or lose a loved one due to an ATV fire hazard or explosion, an expert ATV injury lawyer can help you seek compensation.