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ATV crashes kill and injure hundreds of people each year in the United States. Due to the high number of ATV crashes that occur every year, consumer groups, medical professionals, environmentalists, and child safety advocates are very concerned with changing the ATV industry’s failing approach at safety. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons believes ATVs are a significant threat to public health. These health professionals are often the ones who witness the serious injuries and death caused by ATV crashes.
ATV crashes send thousands of people to the hospital every year. In 2000 alone, at least 254,000 people who were injured in ATV crashes required medical treatment. Between 200 and 300 people die every year in ATV crashes. Thirty to forty percent of all people injured or killed in ATV crashes are children under the age of 16. Fifteen percent of the fatal ATV crashes take the lives of children under 12. The US Consumer Product Safety Council estimates that ATV crashes cost society a total of $6.5 billion in medical, legal, and work loss expenses every year.
ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, are dangerous because they have a high center of gravity, lack suspension, have no rear wheel differential, and are less stable at high speeds. Most ATV crashes are the product of ATV misuse, driver inexperience, and/or intoxication. ATV misuse can include riding at excessive speed, riding at night without proper gear, and riding in inappropriate areas. Ten percent and twenty five percent of those injured and killed in ATV crashes, respectively, were riding on paved roads, streets, or highways where ATVs are not safe to use.
Driver inexperience is a huge factor which contributes to the high volume of ATV crashes occurring each year. According to statistics, people are thirteen times more likely to cause ATV crashes in their first month of ATV use, compared to more experienced riders. Intoxication from drugs or alcohol is involved in thirty percent of all ATV crashes. Most states apply DUI/DWI laws in ATV crashes involving intoxication.
Head injuries are the number one cause of death in ATV crashes. Consistent use of a good helmet can save lives in ATV crashes. Non-fatal injuries common in ATV crashes include head and spinal cord trauma, abdominal damage, fractures, abrasions, lacerations, and the like. Protective clothing, special training and rider education, proper use of the ATV, and the like are all integral steps towards preventing ATV crashes.
Many states require those involved in ATV crashes to report the incident to the law enforcement within a certain period of time. Those whose reckless, negligent, and/or intentional acts caused the accident can be held liable for all damages sustained. If an adult fails to adequately supervise children’s use of ATVs, they can also be held responsible if an accident occurs.
If you would like to learn more about ATV crashes or have been injured in an accident, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced attorney in your area.
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