ATV Accidents Resources – ATV Dangers
Many people don’t perceive the dangers of driving an all-terrain vehicle. The riding experience is often recreational, so individuals don’t consider the experience, attentiveness, and safety concerns associated with safe driving. An ATV can easily flip or roll over, but instances of fires and explosions have been reported due to fuel leaks, exhaust defects, overheating, and other issues.
Risk of Fires and Explosions
A slew of recent recalls, involving several manufacturers, came about because of the potential for fires. If a manufacturer has identified a potential source of fuel leaks, exhaust problems, and other defects, a recall may be issued and the problem should be addressed right away. It’s possible for an ATV to ignite during use; some have even caught fire while parked or in storage. Riders should always be on alert for potential fuel leakage or overheating.
Dangers for Kids
Data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission reveals that 28 percent of ATV-related injuries involve people under 16. In 2016, the Commission issued a warning about the dangers that kids riding an all-terrain vehicle face. It recommended that children operate only vehicles that are designed to be driven by someone their age; adult-sized models are simply too big and too powerful for a kid to handle. Children should also wear properly fitting helmets and protective gear, so they are sufficiently protected against impacts if they drive or accompany an adult.
A Lack of Training Spells Danger
The unpredictable nature of driving in off-road locations is a challenge for inexperienced riders. Many times, injuries and deaths resulting from an accident occur because a driver does not know how to react. For example, the ability of the driver to shift their weight is important in getting the vehicle to respond; otherwise, there is a higher likelihood of losing control. The vehicle can overturn, collide with an object or car, or the person can get thrown off it. A rash of fires and explosions has been reported as well across the nation. The ATV Safety Institute, National 4-H Council, and state and local groups offer training courses, but people need to be on alert for signs of overheating or fuel leakage that can cause the ATV to catch fire or explode. One can check with the manufacturer of the vehicle for certified training and critical safety information.
Other Dangers of Riding
- State laws vary for riding on paved roads; in many, it is illegal. In general, an off-road vehicle is difficult to control on pavement and, although some laws and ordinances are changing, roads should be avoided unless the manufacturer explicitly states the vehicle is safe to drive on them.
- Protective gear such as helmets, goggles, boots, and long pants and long-sleeve shirts should be worn. A helmet is essential for preventing possible major injuries that can leave lasting damage.
- Most ATVs aren’t designed to carry passengers. Doing so can cause accidents because the passenger doesn’t know how to shift their weight appropriately, and the vehicle may exceed its capacity or be thrown off balance.
- All-terrain vehicles are compact, but fast. Knowing how to operate the vehicle means understanding its capabilities and being able to respond in a variety of situations.
There are many risks of operating such vehicles. Safety, training, and understanding the risk of fires, explosions, and other hazards are essential to limiting the chances of being seriously injured or worse in an ATV accident.