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All terrain vehicles, often called by their abbreviation ATV, were first introduced on the US market by Honda in 1970. The first all terrain vehicles had three wheels and were designed purely for recreational use. Instead of suspension, these all terrain vehicles had balloon tires. In the early 1980s low profile tires and suspension were introduced. Due to serious safety concerns associated with 3-wheeled all terrain vehicles, industry manufacturers agreed to end production and sales in 1987.
Suzuki became the first industry leader in the manufacture of four-wheeled all terrain vehicles. The first four-wheeler all terrain vehicles sold in 1983 for recreational use. In 1985, high performance all terrain vehicles were introduced with a number of new features for the more advanced user. The most popular all terrain vehicles on the market today are 4x4 models which are used for utility and sport. It is estimated that nearly 2.5 million all terrain vehicles are in use today.
Since they were first introduced, all terrain vehicles have been criticized by child-safety and consumer advocates, environmentalists, and rural landowners. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons considers all terrain vehicles to be a significant public health risk. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Council, 254,000 injuries from all terrain vehicles required medical treatment in 2000 alone. Two to three hundred people are killed every year in accidents involving all terrain vehicles. Children under 16 years of age account for approximately forty percent of those injured by all terrain vehicles each year in our nation.
Studies show that inexperience, intoxication, speed, and lack of helmet are the four predominant risks related in injuries involving all terrain vehicles. Inexperienced riders in their first month of ATV use are thirteen times more likely to suffer a serious injury and more experienced riders. Intoxication is involved in thirty percent of all fatal accidents involving all terrain vehicles. When all terrain vehicles are operated improperly, such as riding too fast or on inappropriate surfaces, the risk of injury and death significantly increases.
In most accidents involving all terrain vehicles, the driver first loses control of the vehicle. Sixty percent of all accidents involve tipping or overturning of all terrain vehicles. Other common types of accident are collision with a moving or fixed object and driver or passenger ejection from all terrain vehicles. Experts recommend that drivers never carry a passenger while operating all terrain vehicles.
Injury and death from accidents involving all terrain vehicles increases every year. Consumer groups argue that the ATV industry’s voluntary approach to safety standards is not sufficient to prevent or reduce serious injury. All too often, consumers are in danger while operating all terrain vehicles. The consequences of these dangers are unacceptable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving all terrain vehicles, please contact us to speak with an experienced attorney who can protect your legal interests.
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