←Pursuing Justice for 18 Wheeler Crash Victims Heavy Traffic Increases the Risk of Aggressive Driving Accidents →

ATV accidents on the rise in Indiana

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Ronald Todd

With the popularity of All Terrain Vehicles growing, it is important to teach children and young adults the risks and safety factors of operating ATVs.

Rule number 1: Always wear protective gear, especially a helmet when riding an ATV.

Many ATV injuries are head injuries. Wearing a helmet may reduce the severity of these injuries. Select a motorcycle or other motorized sports helmet and make sure the helmet is certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and/or the Snell Memorial Foundation. In addition, wear over-the-ankle boots, goggles, gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect against cuts, abrasions, and other injuries from rocks, trees, and other debris.

Rule number 2: Do not drive ATVs with a passenger or ride as a passenger.

The majority of ATVs are designed to carry only one person. ATVs are designed for interactive riding – drivers must be able to shift their weight freely in all directions, depending on the situation and terrain. Interactive riding is critical to maintaining safe control of an ATV especially on varying terrain. Passengers can make it difficult for drivers to control the ATV.

Rule number 3: Do not drive ATVs on paved roads.

ATVs – because of how they are made – are difficult to control on paved roads. Collisions with cars and other vehicles also can be deadly. Many fatalities involving ATVs occur on paved roads.

Rule number 4: Do not permit children to drive or ride adult ATVs.

Children are involved in about one-third of all ATV-related deaths and hospital emergency room injuries. Most of these deaths and injuries occur when a child is driving or riding on an adult ATV. Children under 16 on adult ATVs are twice as likely to be injured as those riding youth ATVs.

Rule number 5: Do not drive ATVs while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Alcohol and drugs impair reaction time and judgment, two essential skills for safe ATV use.

Rule number 6: Take a hands-on safety-training course.

Formal training teaches drivers how to control ATVs in typical situations. Drivers with formal, hands-on ATV training have a lower injury risk than drivers with no formal training.

Following these helpful tips should reduce accidents and fatalities. Unfortunately, even the best of intentions sometimes end in tragic results.

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured due to someone else’s reckless behavior on an ATV in Indiana, there is help. Contact an attorney who understands the law and can protect your rights. Call the law offices of Ronald S. Todd today at (317)375-7718 or visit them online at www.ronaldtoddlaw.com for more information.

Source: http://www.atvsafety.gov

This entry was posted in Accidents, Brain Injuries, Injuries to Children, Premises Liability, Spinal Cord Injuries, Brain Injury Cases, Brain Injury Indiana, Herniated Disc Injury, Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury, Indiana Accident Lawyer, Indiana Injury Lawyer, Paralysis Injury, Paralysis Lawyer, Paraplegia Injury, Paraplegic Injury, Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury, Personal Injury Lawyer, Quadriplegia Injury, Quadriplegic Injury, Quadriplegic Spinal Cord Injury, Ronald S. Todd, P.C., Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Attorney, Spinal Cord Damage, Spinal Cord Injury Paralysis, Spinal Cord Paralysis, Spinal Injury Paralysis, Spinal Paralysis, Spinal Paraplegia, Traumatic Brain Injury Indiana, Wrongful Death Indiana