ATVs come in a variety of configurations, including UTVs or side-by-side models large enough for four riders sitting two abreast. The more commonly known ATV is also referred to as a “quad” or “4-wheeler” and is straddled like a motorcycle, except it operates on a set of four wheels. In 2013, an overall increase in the amount of ATV accidents and injuries has been reported.
ATV Accident Statistics
Each year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues warnings about the accident risks involving ATVs. Despite prominent campaigns to increase safety awareness, the number of new injury cases reported by emergency rooms each year has either remained relatively constant or has increased. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries (SCI) can also result from ATV accidents and failure to wear a helmet when riding.
- Nearly 75% of all ATV crashes result in debilitating brain and spinal cord injuries
- In 2011, there were an estimated 107,500 ATV-related, emergency department-treated injuries in the United States. An estimated 29,000 (27 percent) of these were children younger than 16 years of age
- The total number of ATV injuries reported each year has nearly tripled since 1992 (in 20 years)
- Riding ATVs is in the same category as football and diving as being among the leading causes of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in youth ages 17 and under
- From 1982 through 2011, CPSC staff received reports of 2,865 ATV-related fatalities of children younger than 16 years of age. This represents 25 percent of the total number of reported ATV-related fatalities (11,688)
- Modern ATVs, depending on the model, are capable of reaching speeds up to 100mph
- ATV injuries are most common in rural areas, among white males ages 18 to 30
- Studies revealed the mean age of ATV riders to be approximately 12.8 years old
- 80% of all ATV-related fatalities result from a TBI or SCI suffered by the rider in a crash
Recent ATV Accidents and Injuries
Since July 1st 2013, at least nine ATV accidents were reported in the Southeast resulting in three deaths and ten injuries. A Georgia teen (female) was riding as a passenger and was killed when she was thrown from an ATV onto hard pavement. Two more separate accidents took place in Missouri; a five-year-old operating an ATV was injured as was another 16-year old rider along with her three year old passenger.
The vast majority of ATVs are meant for single riders only and are not designed with seating or foot rests for passengers. It is very easy for any passenger simply sitting on the back of an ATV to be thrown off; even in cases not involving a crash or rollover. Furthermore, manufacturers of ATVs and other personal recreational vehicles provide placards and warning labels with each piece of equipment warning against the operation by any person under the age of 16.
Many safety advocates argue that injuries can be reduced by spreading awareness through rural communities, particularly starting at the middle and high school levels. A more thorough understanding of the equipment’s purpose, capabilities, and limitations may give the next generation of riders a heightened awareness of safety precautions to follow while operating an ATV.
References:
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
