According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there have been over 6,000 deaths in the last 20 years resulting from injuries sustained while on an ATV.  In a typical year, over 125,500 riders of ATV’s are involved in accidents that necessitate visits to the emergency room.  Children and teenagers are disproportionately represented amongst those injured in ATV accidents with approximately 38,600 of those injured under the age of 16.

The fact that there are so many ATV accidents is not really a surprise given how many people use ATV’s in different settings.  They are used by those of all ages for work and play.  The speed at which they can be driven and the way they can be maneuvered often entices riders to engage in risky procedures that can pose a high risk of injury to the rider.  ATVs may be used a wide variety of settings including:

• Recreational riding
• Ranch and farm work
• Accessing non-auto areas
• Hauling cargo

There are certain safety measures that can help reduce the risk of suffering serious injuries in an ATV accident regardless of whether the ATV is being use for productivity or recreation:

Protective safety gear should be used.

The use of a helmet is imperative when riding an ATV, and eye protection also should be worn at all times.  The use of proper boots and gloves also reduce the likelihood of injury to your hands and feet if you are involved in an ATV accident.

Ride the right size ATV for you.

There are many different makes and models of ATVs on the market for people spanning a wide range of ages, heights and weights.  The guidelines below provide a general suggestion of appropriate size based on age.

Ages six to twelve under 70 cc engine

Over age twelve to age 16 70-90 cc engine

Age 16 and older engines may exceed 90 cc’s.

Always inspect your ATV before you ride it.

Routine maintenance should be performed on ATV’s because they take so much abuse when they are ridden. You should make sure that your brakes, light switches, and gears are operating correctly.  Proper tire pressure also should be maintained.  All parts of the vehicle should be inspected for cracks, breakage, or strange noises.

Participate in a training class.

A rider should never operate an ATV without taking some training, and even the most experienced rider can learn to driver an ATV safer by taking a refresher course. It is easy for experienced riders to develop bad habits or get complacent about the potential risks posed by ATV’s.

Be Smart About Your Riding Habits

You should never operate an ATV when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Drugs and alcohol slow your ability to react, and reaction time is critical when you are riding an ATV.  The CPSC conducted a study that found that 30 percent of all fatal ATV accidents involve intoxicated operators.  Distracted driving of an ATC is almost as dangerous so you should never use a cell phone while operating an ATV in Mississippi.  You should also avoid riding with people on the back of the ATV.

ATV’s can be a great source of fun and enjoyment as well as a great tool of productivity on a farm or other workplace setting.  Even if you are extremely careful, you can still be seriously injured or a loved one can suffer wrongful death in an ATV accident.  If you or someone you love has been injured in an ATV accident, you may have a right to seek compensation for your loss including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering and future loss of earnings.  At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.