Experienced SiebenCarey Injury Attorneys Have Helped Many People Injured in ATV Accidents

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are three or four-wheeled motorized vehicles designed for uneven surfaces and off-highway work and recreation. Many ATVs can go as fast as 55 mph and can weigh up to 600 pounds. Because of their inherently unstable design, these vehicles easily tip over or even roll. In the U.S. there are an estimated 7 million ATVs.

ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, are popular with adults and kids alike. But according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, 135,000 injuries and 700 deaths occur on ATVs each year. One-third of these happen to kids 16 years of age and under.

In many ATV accidents, participants are violating one of two primary safety rules regarding ATV use. First, nearly all ATVs are designed for a single rider only. The reason? The CPSC says, "ATVs are designed for interactive riding - drivers must be able to shift their weight freely in all directions, depending on the situation and terrain. Interactive riding is critical to maintaining safe control of an ATV, especially on varying terrain. Passengers can make it very difficult for drivers to control the ATV."

Second, kids under 16 should never be permitted to drive or ride on adult ATVs; it's not what they were designed for. Kids don't have the necessary reflexes, judgment, physical ability, or ability to apply safety rules. Allowing them to drive a vehicle that weighs several hundred pounds and can go in excess of 55 miles per hour is just not a great idea.

ATV accidents can happen because of many different reasons including driver error, driver inattention, or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. On the other hand, ATV crashes can also occur because of a manufacturing or design defect.

Some steps can be taken for ATV accident prevention. Young people should wear helmets, ride lighter and slower ATVs, and be monitored by an adult. However, since ATV accidents are highly preventable and unregulated the fault may be out of your hands.