The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is concerned for the safety of ATV drivers this summer, as the death rate rises every year from accidents. ATV’s are “All Terrain Vehicles” and these powerful machines are known for the deaths of many. CPSC reports that between the years of 2004 to 2010 there were almost 700 deaths that were caused by accidents on ATV’s. Around 140,000 emergency room injuries during that same time period occurred, many of those being injuries that changed people’s life forever. This year, between January and June, it is already reported that 130 adults and 28 children under 16 have been killed, and it concerns them that the numbers will continue to rise.
Deaths occur on these powerful vehicles when the driver doesn’t properly know how to handle it, which results in a loss of control. If the driver loses control of the ATV and they crash, deaths often occur by the impact of its heavy weight or from hitting another while in motion. It is believed however, that the drivers have a lower risk level if they have been driving for over a year; unfortunately, many of those accidents happen before the drivers reach a higher experience level.
For those that love to ride these thrilling machines here are a few helpful tips to take extra caution. Always wear the right gear; helmets are not an option. Forget about your hair do, protecting your skull is one of the most vital safety measures you can take. Next would be to only allow one person on the single riders, if it says a single rider it means that the car is not equipped to carry two passengers safely. Parents, don’t let children under the age of 16 drive ATV’s no matter how much they beg, it is important that experienced drivers are the one’s enjoying them, not children. For information on ATV safety, click here.