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All-terrain vehicle safety has been a significant consumer concern since these off-road vehicles were first introduced in the 1970s and 1980s. The first all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) had three wheels and were designed for recreational use. Due to serious all terrain vehicle safety concerns, manufacturers stopped producing 3-wheeled ATVs in 1987. Despite safety concerns, the popularity of all terrain vehicles continues to grow.
Soon after 3-wheel models were introduced, manufacturers began producing four wheel ATVs. These were considered safer than their three wheeled counterparts. It is estimated that 2.4 million ATVs are currently owned in the United States. All terrain vehicle safety is a major concern because so many people are injured or killed in ATV accidents each year. In 2000 alone, 254,000 people required medical treatment for injuries involving all terrain vehicles. Two to three hundred people are killed every year in all terrain vehicle accidents, many of which are young children.
In the late 1980s, public demands and pressure from the US Consumer Product Safety Council prompted the ATV industry to make a number of all terrain vehicle safety concessions. Due to all terrain vehicle safety concerns, a Consent Decree and subsequent action plans were developed by the CPSC and manufacturers. Manufacturers voluntarily agreed to end the production of three-wheel ATVs.
Manufacturers also agreed to implement voluntary all terrain vehicle safety standards. These included engine size restrictions on ATV sold for children’s use, the implementation of a national training program, and additional safety standards. Despite these efforts within the industry to improve all terrain vehicle safety, more and more people are killed or injured in ATV accidents each year.
Consumer groups claim that industry implemented all terrain vehicle safety standards are grossly failing to protect the public. The director of one consumer group even posits the ATV industry is, “withholding critical information about its voluntary approach to safety.” Many argue the failing all terrain vehicle safety approach must be replaced with a proactive safety program implemented by the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
There are many precautionary measures that consumers can take to reduce the risks of ATV accidents and protect themselves from injury and death. The majority of all fatal ATV accidents cause serious trauma to the head and neck. Helmets and other protective clothing are vital to all terrain vehicle safety. Inexperience and ignorance are also major reasons for ATV accidents. All safety information about ATVs should be read and understood and riders should receive training prior to operating an all terrain vehicle. All terrain vehicle safety also includes: only sober operation of ATVs, operation during daylight hours, proper use of the ATV, and age restrictions on operation of certain ATVs.
If you would like to learn more about all terrain vehicle safety or have been injured in an ATV accident, please contact us to speak with an experienced attorney who can determine how best to protect your legal rights and interests.
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