Be Careful Using Your ATV This Summer
What steps can I take to protect myself or my teen on an ATV?
Recently, a Cairo, Georgia teen was killed in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident. Authorities report that the crash happened near Old Highway 84 in Boston, Georgia. The 19-year-old operator of an ATV lost control while she was driving. She was thrown from the vehicle and passed away from her injuries. Two other people were injured in the accident. This deadly ATV accident is the second fatal ATV incident in just a two month period in Georgia. Our Marietta, Georgia ATV accident attorneys at Randall F. Rogers, PC offer some tips to keep you safe while using an ATV this summer.
Tips for ATV Safety
As the weather warms, an increasing number of adults and teens alike will take to ATVs for entertainment. ATVs are extremely popular vehicles, but they can be dangerous. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, 400 people were killed on ATVS between 1982 and 2012. Many more suffered injuries, sometimes severe. In light of the recent fatal ATV accidents in Georgia, observe these tips below to stay safe on your ATV.
- Take a safety training course: ATVs are not toys; rather, they are powerful vehicles. ATV riders should take a formal, hands-on training course that will teach you how to control an ATV in typical situations. Studies show that drivers with training have a lower risk of injury than those without.
- Always wear your helmet: The vast majority of ATV injuries involve head trauma. Make sure you have a motorcycle or other motorized sports helmet approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Wear your helmet at all times and consider also using protective gear, such as goggles, long pants, gloves, and the like.
- Do not allow children to ride on or drive an adult sized ATV: Children are one of the most common victims of ATV accidents. Young children are more than twice as likely to be injured in ATV accidents than adults. Protect your child by not allowing him or her to ride on an ATV that is made for adults.
- Never ride an ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Drinking or ingesting drugs will impair your judgment and can lead to serious accidents.
If you or a loved one is injured in an ATV accident, you may have the right to recover compensation from the at-fault driver, manufacturer of the defective ATV, or owner of the dangerous property on which you were injured. Contact a personal injury attorney for an evaluation of your potential claim.
Posted in: Automobile Wrecks