Understanding the Dangers of ATV Riding

 Posted on April 19, 2018 in Recreational Vehicle Accidents

Every year, roughly 40,000 people throughout the country are rushed to the emergency room due to ATV-related injuries. ATVs, also known as all-terrain vehicles, are commonly used as recreational vehicles throughout the United States.

As winter continues to fade away, and we head into the sunnier months of the year, thousands of Americans will begin to take out their ATVs. However, with the fun comes incredible danger.

Annually, around 150 children under the age of 16 lose their lives while riding ATVs. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, May through September represents the most dangerous period of ATV riding in the United States. From 2009 to 2012, just under 400 Americans died in ATV related accidents in the summer months between May and September. In 2015 alone, 97,200 people suffered ATV injuries nationwide.

If you or a member of your family are injured while riding an ATV or any other recreation vehicle, contact our knowledgeable team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys today.

Staying Safe While Riding

Riding all-terrain vehicles is inherently dangerous. However, there are simple steps riders can take to make themselves as safe as possible.

• Wear a Helmet: In 2015, just under 30 percent of all injuries suffered on ATVs were to the head and neck area. In all, roughly 28,300 people suffered injuries to their head or neck. If you elect to ride an ATV, it is essential that you ride with a helmet — it may be the most important decision of your life.
• Avoid Paved Roadways: Arguably, the most exciting aspect of riding an ATV is the ability to travel on unique terrain. Still, large numbers of people choose to ride their ATVs on paved roadways. One-in-three ATV fatalities occur on paved roadways. The large number of fatalities on paved roadways has a lot to do with other motor vehicles being present on the road. Another factor is the ability to travel at dangerously fast speeds while driving an ATV on paved roads. Avoiding well traveled roads — and paved roads in general — may be the safest choice you can make on an ATV.
• Get Training: Riding an ATV is unlike riding a bike. The process requires a trained skill set and a general understanding of steering and braking capabilities. Around the country, high level training sessions are available for novice riders to learn from experienced ATV professionals. If you are an inexperienced rider, taking a lesson may ultimately keep you from taking a spill.

Speak with a Lake County ATV Accident Lawyer Today

As Chicagoans take their all-terrain vehicles out for a spin, injuries are inevitably going to occur. At Salvi & Maher, L.L.C., we have decades of experience helping those injured in recreational vehicle injuries. If you or a loved one are injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact our compassionate team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys online or call us at 847-662-3303.

Sources:

https://onsafety.cpsc.gov/blog/2017/03/06/cpsc-infographic-big-real-rough-tough-deadly-atv-statistics-2015/

https://www.verywellfamily.com/atv-accidents-atvs-for-kids-2633671